Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
08:08
Quantification of Breast Cancer Cell Invasiveness Using a Three-dimensional (3D) Model
Published on: June 11, 2014
New roles for integrins in squamous-cell carcinoma
1Keratinocyte Laboratory, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PX, UK.
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|February 25, 2006
Summary
Integrins play new roles in squamous-cell carcinoma by affecting tumor stem cells. Altered integrin expression impacts tumor growth, differentiation, and patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Oncology
- Molecular medicine
Background:
- Integrins are known to mediate cancer invasion and metastasis.
- Altered integrin expression is linked to tumor prognosis in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate novel mechanisms by which integrins contribute to squamous-cell carcinoma.
- To understand the role of integrins in regulating tumor stem cell behavior.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of integrin function in squamous-cell carcinoma models.
- Investigation of integrin-mediated effects on cell differentiation and apoptosis.
- Examination of integrin interactions between tumor stem cells and differentiated cells.
Main Results:
- Integrin mutation or upregulation expands the tumor stem-cell compartment by inhibiting differentiation or apoptosis.
- Integrins expressed by differentiated cells can modulate the proliferation of adjacent tumor stem cells.
Conclusions:
- Integrins have multifaceted roles in squamous-cell carcinoma beyond invasion and metastasis.
- These findings provide a mechanistic understanding of how altered integrin expression influences tumor progression and patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:35Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia
Invadosome is a broad category of cell surface structures with proteolytic activity that degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadosomes are present in normal cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells, and neurons, as well as tumor cells. Although the macrophage podosomes and tumor cell invadopodia are classified as invadosomes, they have different structures, molecular pathways, and functions. Podosomes are short structures that last for a few minutes. However, invadopodia can...
01:10Integrins
Animal and protozoan cells do not have cell walls to help maintain shape and provide structural stability. Instead, these eukaryotic cells secrete a sticky mass of carbohydrates and proteins into the spaces between adjacent cells. This network of proteins and molecules is called an extracellular matrix or ECM.
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
01:15Activation of Integrins
Integrins bind ligands and transmit information from outside the cell to inside or vice-versa through an "outside-in signaling" or "inside-out signaling."
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.
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.
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...