Integrin signaling in control of tumor growth and progression

Jiangling Xiong, Hayri E. Balcioglu, Erik H.J. Danen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveyAcademicpeer-review

58 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide cells with physical and chemical cues that act in concert with growth factors to support survival and proliferation. Transmembrane receptors of the integrin family mediate ECM attachment and play important roles in sensing and responding to ECM properties. Integrin signaling involves large integrin-associated intracellular protein complexes that act as anchors for the cytoskeleton and as signaling hotspots where enzymes and substrates are concentrated. Moreover, many different growth factor signaling cascades are amplified when cells are attached to the ECM. Integrins are involved in many pathologies; here we focus on their roles in cancer. Although "anchorage-independence" is a hallmark of cancer cells, genetic studies clearly show that integrins and associated proteins provide essential support for early tumor development and growth. Integrins also provide support during later stages of tumor progression but in some scenarios they appear to have suppressive activity, which is currently not understood.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1012-1015
Number of pages4
JournalInternational Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Volume45
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2013
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
JX is supported by the Dutch Cancer Society (UL 2010-4670); HEB is supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (FOM 09MMC03).

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