Integrin β3: structural functions, tumour microenvironment regulatory roles and targeted intervention strategies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Integrin β3 (ITGB3) is a transmembrane receptor critical for cell-extracellular matrix interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• Dysregulated ITGB3 expression activates signaling pathways (e.g., FAK/PI3K-Akt/mTOR) that promote key malignant processes.
• ITGB3 is a significant biomarker for early cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the structure-function relationship of ITGB3.
• To elucidate the multidimensional regulatory mechanisms of ITGB3 in tumor progression.
• To summarize current therapeutic strategies targeting ITGB3 for precision medicine.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ITGB3's role in cancer.
• Analysis of signaling pathways regulated by ITGB3.
• Evaluation of ITGB3-targeted therapies including small molecules, antibodies, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Main Results:

• ITGB3 mediates bidirectional signaling, influencing invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and autophagy.
• Targeting ITGB3 demonstrates potential for therapeutic intervention.
• TCM formulations offer multi-component advantages for ITGB3 regulation.

Conclusions:

• ITGB3 plays a multifaceted role in tumor progression and serves as a vital biomarker.
• Targeting ITGB3 is a promising avenue for precision oncology.
• Integrated treatment systems guided by ITGB3 are essential for advancing cancer therapy.