Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Tension Gauge Tether Probes for Quantifying Growth Factor Mediated Integrin Mechanics and Adhesion
Published on: February 11, 2022
IGF-I receptor, cell-cell adhesion, tumour development and progression
1Department of Cellular Biology and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria, 87030 Rende, Italy.
Abstract:
The insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) has been implicated in the development and progression of many common cancers and other neoplastic diseases. The tumorigenic potential of IGF-IR relies on its antiapoptotic and transforming activities. The molecular mechanisms by which IGF-IR controls the proliferation and survival of tumour cells have been extensively studied and many pathways have been delineated. However, the role of IGF-IR in the regulation of non-mitogenic cell functions is less well understood. Here we focus on IGF-IR-dependent cell-cell adhesion. Limited studies suggested that IGF-IR can regulate cell aggregation and intercellular adhesion mediated by cadherins and cadherin-associated proteins. We review the mechanisms of this process and discuss the impact of IGF-IR-dependent cell-cell adhesion on the phenotype of tumour cells.
Related Concept Videos
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Activation of Integrins
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...

