ENVIRONMENTAL MODULATION OF αv, α2AND β1INTEGRIN SUBUNIT EXPRESSION IN HUMAN OESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS

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Abstract
Integrins are cell adhesion molecules pivotal in regulating normal cell behaviour. Ectopic expression of integrins, characteristic of transformed cells, is instrumental in differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, matrix degradation and migration. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has a propensity to metastasize and hence an extremely poor prognosis. It is shown here that oesophageal SCCs express αvstrongly and that normal oesophageal tissue does not express αv. This makes αva significant indicator of the transformed phenotype. α2and β1integrin subunits are down‐regulated in oesophageal SCCs compared to normal oesophagus. Dominance of the α2β1heterodimer is symptomatic of potential loss of other β1binding integrins in oesophageal SCCs. These results suggest a decrease in rigid cell adhesion possibly increasing migratory potential, whilst simultaneously permitting the adhesion and migration of SCC cells on a large repertoire of ligands due to de novo αvexpression.

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