Abstract
Integrins are the adhesion molecules and receptors of extracellular matrix (ECM). They mediate the interactions between cells-cells and cells-ECM. The crosstalk between cancer cells and their microenvironment triggers a variety of critical signaling cues and promotes the malignant phenotype of cancer. As a type of transmembrane protein, integrin-mediated cell adhesion is essential in regulating various biological functions of cancer cells. Recent evidence has shown that integrins present on tumor cells or tumor-associated stromal cells are involved in ECM remodeling, and as mechanotransducers sensing changes in the biophysical properties of the ECM, which contribute to cancer metastasis, stemness and drug resistance. In this review, we outline the mechanism of integrin-mediated effects on biological changes of cancers and highlight the current status of clinical treatments by targeting integrins.
Highlights
The transformation process from normal cells to malignant cancer cells involves a series of complex pathological mechanisms, including the abnormal activation/deactivation of various cancer-related signaling molecules and signaling pathways (Cooper and Giancotti, 2019)
Integrins are the main receptors of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, and cell adhesion mediated by them is crucial for the spread of cancer cells (Casal and Bartolomé, 2018)
Recent evidence has shown that integrins on extracellular vesicles, especially exosomes, promote the establishment of pre-metastatic niche by interacting with cells or ECM at specific tissue sites (Hoshino et al, 2015; Huang et al, 2020)
Summary
Chao-yue Su 1†, Jing-quan Li 2†, Ling-ling Zhang 1†, Hui Wang 3, Feng-hua Wang 3, Yi-wen Tao 1, Yu-qing Wang 1, Qiao-ru Guo 1, Jia-jun Li 1, Yun Liu 1*, Yan-yan Yan 4* and Jian-ye Zhang 1,2*. Zhang J-y (2020) The Biological Functions and Clinical Applications of Integrins in Cancers. Integrins are the adhesion molecules and receptors of extracellular matrix (ECM). They mediate the interactions between cells-cells and cells-ECM. As a type of transmembrane protein, integrin-mediated cell adhesion is essential in regulating various biological functions of cancer cells. Recent evidence has shown that integrins present on tumor cells or tumorassociated stromal cells are involved in ECM remodeling, and as mechanotransducers sensing changes in the biophysical properties of the ECM, which contribute to cancer metastasis, stemness and drug resistance. We outline the mechanism of integrin-mediated effects on biological changes of cancers and highlight the current status of clinical treatments by targeting integrins
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
