Integrins and Cancer: Gene Expression, Epigenetics and Metastasis

Authors: Stuardi, T.; O. Phipps, S. M.; Tollefsbol, T. O.

Source: Current Genomics, Volume 7, Number 5, August 2006 , pp. 323-331(9)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Integrins are composed of a variety of binding subunits that are responsible for interacting with the extracellu-lar matrix and intracellular signaling pathways. Among their various functions, integrins have the ability to augment cellu-lar adhesion, influence cytoskeletal architecture, activate tyrosine kinase and affect cell survival. Many investigations have demonstrated a correlation between the regulation of integrin expression and tumor invasiveness and proliferation. Integrins affect transcription factors Twist and HoxD3, epigenetic regulation, matrix metalloproteinases, insulin-like growth factors, integrin-linked kinases and adherens junctions, which are all important components of tumorigenicity. Cancer cells modify their functional genomic composition thereby altering integrin expression. Understanding the rela-tionship between integrin expression and tumor activities could provide an important strategy for cancer treatment.

Keywords: Integrin; cancer; Twist; ILK; MMP; epigenetic; HoxD3

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920206778604377

Affiliations: 1: Department of Biology, 175 Campbell Hall, 1300 University Boulevard, Univeristy of Alabama at Bir-ingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-1170 USA.

Publication date: 2006-08-01