Authors: Seifalian, Alexander M.; Robertson, John H.; Iga, Arthur M.; Sales, Kevin M.; Winslet, Marc C.

Source: Current Pharmaceutical Design, Volume 14, Number 3, January 2008 , pp. 296-305(10)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

The integrin family of cell surface receptors were principally thought to be involved in cell adhesion. Intense study has shown that these glycoproteins also regulate a diverse range of physiological processes. Inappropriate activation of integrins has been implicated in many pathological processes. Recent studies have shown that these molecules play a key role in the early stages of liver metastasis in colorectal cancer. In vivo experiments have demonstrated that integrins are involved in tumour cell targeting, arrest, adhesion and migration within the hepatic microcirculation. Indeed functional blocking of specific integrins has been shown to significantly impair these early stages of metastasis development. This review examines the current knowledge of integrin participation in this area and highlights the future therapeutic implications. Future targeted therapy against specific integrins would allow not only functional blocking but would provide the potential to deliver specific anti-cancer therapy.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; liver metastasis; integrin; treatment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161208783413284

Affiliations: 1: Academic Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF.

Publication date: 2008-01-01

More about this publication?

• Current Pharmaceutical Design publishes timely in-depth reviews covering all aspects of current research in rational drug design. Each issue is devoted to a single major therapeutic area. A Guest Editor who is an acknowledged authority in a therapeutic field has solicits for each issue comprehensive and timely reviews from leading researchers in the pharmaceutical industry and academia.
  
  Each thematic issue of Current Pharmaceutical Design covers all subject areas of major importance to modern drug design, including: medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, drug targets and disease mechanism.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Pharmacology
• By this author: Seifalian, Alexander M. ;  Robertson, John H. ;  Iga, Arthur M. ;  Sales, Kevin M. ;  Winslet, Marc C.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers