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Integrin signaling in cancer: bidirectional mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Siyi Li1,2, Chibuzo Sampson2, Changhao Liu1

  • 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China.

Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS
|September 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Integrins are key regulators of cell signaling and tumor progression. Understanding their complex roles is vital for developing novel cancer therapies targeting integrin-mediated pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Integrins are transmembrane receptors mediating cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions.
  • Integrin β4 uniquely possesses a long cytoplasmic tail, enabling indirect actin cytoskeleton interaction.
  • 'Inside-out' signals modulate integrin conformation and ligand-binding affinity, facilitating bidirectional signaling.

Discussion:

  • Integrin expression and function are critical in tumor initiation, angiogenesis, motility, invasion, and metastasis.
  • Specific integrin subtypes can promote or inhibit tumorigenesis, often exhibiting opposing effects.
  • Integrin signaling pathways (Ras, Rho-GTPase, TGFβ, Hippo, Wnt, Notch, Shh) are implicated in cancer development.

Key Insights:

  • Bidirectional integrin signaling critically regulates diverse biological processes, including cancer progression.
  • The dual role of integrins in cancer necessitates a nuanced understanding of their specific subtypes and signaling interactions.
  • Targeting integrin-mediated pathways offers significant therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.

Outlook:

  • Further research into integrin regulatory mechanisms and molecular specificities is crucial for cancer control.
  • Development of integrin-based therapeutics, including agonists, holds promise for future cancer treatment strategies.
  • Investigating integrin-dependent signaling provides opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions in oncology.
Keywords:
Bidirectional signaling mechanismsIntegrinIntegrin-targeting drugsTumorigenesis

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