[Integrin expression and ability to adhere to extracellular matrix and endothelial cells in human lung cancers]

Abstract

Tumor cell interaction with extracellular matrix and endothelial cells constitute the most crucial factor of metastasis. Integrins are one of adhesion molecules which mediate the interaction. Most lung cancers adhered strongly to extracellular matrix corresponding with expression of integrins. Three lung cancers which expressed few or no integrins had very weak ability to adhere to extracellular matrix. Strong binding to endothelial cells was found in most lines but the three lung cancers had very little ability to adhere to endothelial cells. Binding to endothelial cells were strongly inhibited by antibodies to beta-1 subunit. Lung cancers may adhere to extracellular matrix and endothelial cells through integrins, especially the beta-1 subfamily.