Role for beta3 integrins in human melanoma growth and survival

The role of alphaIIbbeta3 integrin in regulating platelet function is well appreciated, whereas its role in tumor progression and metastasis is not. The purpose of our study was to determine a functional relevance to expression of alphaIIbbeta3 integrin in cells derived from human solid tumors. A study of human melanoma biopsies (n = 24) showed that alphaIIbbeta3 expression increased with tumor thickness, which is indicative of metastatic propensity. Expression of alphaIIbbeta3 was 8% (+/-1.8), 33% (+/-10.4) and 62% (+/-5) in melanomas ranging in thickness from 0-1.5 mm, 1.5-4.0 mm and >4 mm, respectively; alphavbeta3 was equally high all categories. To determine biological function, we stably transfected alphaIIbbeta3 into human melanoma cells that express alphavbeta3, but not alphaIIbbeta3. Surface expression of alphavbeta3 remained unaltered between alphaIIbbeta3 (+) and mock transfected counterparts. The alphaIIbbeta3 (+) cells possessed increased ability to adhere, spread and migrate on fibrinogen. They had decreased ability to attach, spread and migrate on vitronectin. Immunocytochemistry showed that expression of alphaIIbbeta3 displaced alphavbeta3 from focal contact points. When implanted subcutaneously into SCID mice, the alphaIIbbeta3 (+) cells developed approximately 4-fold larger tumors when compared to their mock counterparts and the level of apoptosis was reduced within the tumors. Results suggest that co-expression of the 2 beta3 integrins, alphavbeta3 and alphaIIbbeta3, in human melanoma cells enhanced cell survival and promoted growth in vivo.