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Published on: March 8, 2017
The role of α9β1 integrin in modulating epithelial cell behaviour
Sushmita Roy1, Lynne Bingle, John F Marshall
1Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Claremont Crescent, UK.
Summary
The α9β1 integrin enhances oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell migration and matrix-degrading protease expression, potentially playing a key role in tumor progression.
Area of Science:
- Integrin signaling
- Extracellular matrix interactions
- Cancer biology
Background:
- Integrins mediate extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling crucial for wound healing and cancer.
- Overexpression of αvβ6 integrin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) correlates with increased motility and matrix-degrading proteases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of α9β1 integrin in OSCC.
- To determine if α9β1 integrin influences cell motility, proliferation, and protease expression in OSCC.
Main Methods:
- OSCC cells (H357) were transfected with the α9 integrin subunit.
- Proliferation, adhesion, and migration assays were conducted.
- Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and plasminogen activator system activity were measured.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to examine α9 integrin expression in OSCC tissues.
Main Results:
- α9β1 integrin promoted adhesion and migration towards tenascin-C (TNfn3RAA) and collagen I, while reducing proliferation.
- Ligand engagement increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 expression.
- α9β1 integrin enhanced cell surface plasmin generation via urokinase receptor upregulation.
- α9β1 integrin expression was observed in normal oral mucosa and heterogeneously in OSCC tumors, particularly in differentiated lesions.
Conclusions:
- α9β1 integrin may significantly influence tumor behavior.
- Enhanced cell migration and matrix-degrading protease expression are key roles of α9β1 integrin in OSCC.
- α9β1 integrin is a potential therapeutic target in oral cancer.
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