Implicacions Biol�giques De Les Integrines en C�ncer I Possibles Ter�pies

Abstract

Integrins are cell surface adhesion receptors responsible for cell-extracellular matrix adhesions. They are composed of an α subunit and a β subunit, and their binding to extracellular and intracellular ligands allows for communication between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. Integrins are involved in regulating various cellular processes, like motility and cell survival, and have been related to the development of diseases such as cancer, especially the process of metastasis. Intracellular trafficking of these proteins is regulated by different families of GTPases and is important for the regulation of their functions, and their availability in the plasma membrane and other cellular compartments. In certain pathological conditions their expression is altered, and this leads to a series of events that promote disease progression. Among others, they regulate the activation and expression of some growth factor receptors, which in turn control functional roles of integrins. Given their involvement in the various stages of tumour development and subsequent metastatic colonization, integrins seem to be a good target for cancer treatment.