Signalling via integrins: implications for cell survival and anticancer strategies

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2007 Jan;1775(1):163-80. doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2006.09.001. Epub 2006 Oct 4.

Abstract

Integrin-associated signalling renders cells more resistant to genotoxic anti-cancer agents like ionizing radiation and chemotherapeutic substances, a phenomenon termed cell adhesion-mediated radioresistance/drug resistance (CAM-RR, CAM-DR). Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface molecules that on one side link the actin cytoskeleton to the cell membrane and on the other side mediate cell-matrix interactions. In addition to their structural functions, integrins mediate signalling from the extracellular space into the cell through integrin-associated signalling and adaptor molecules such as FAK (focal adhesion kinase), ILK (integrin-linked kinase), PINCH (particularly interesting new cysteine-histidine rich protein) and Nck2 (non-catalytic (region of) tyrosine kinase adaptor protein 2). Via these molecules, integrin signalling tightly and cooperatively interacts with receptor tyrosine kinase signalling to regulate survival, proliferation and cell shape as well as polarity, adhesion, migration and differentiation. In tumour cells of diverse origin like breast, colon or skin, the function and regulation of these molecules is partly disturbed and thus might contribute to the malignant phenotype and pre-existent and acquired multidrug resistance. These issues as well as a variety of therapeutic options envisioned to influence tumour cell growth, metastasis and resistance, including kinase inhibitors, anti-integrin antibodies or RNA interference, will be summarized and discussed in this review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / physiology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Survival / physiology*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology
  • Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / physiology
  • Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Integrins / physiology*
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Oncogene Proteins / physiology
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Integrins
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • LIMS1 protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • NCK2 protein, human
  • Oncogene Proteins
  • integrin-linked kinase
  • Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases