Integrin function in breast carcinoma progression

The differentiation and function of mammary epithelial cells is dependent upon the combined action of growth factor/hormone receptors and integrin receptors, which act in concert to control the signals required for normal cell function. It is now becoming clear that integrin receptors also contribute to carcinoma cell behavior and that alterations in expression and function during transformation have a large impact on breast carcinoma progression. The focus of this review is to discuss integrin-dependent functions that can be manipulated as targets for the therapeutic intervention of breast cancer. A combination of correlative and mechanistic studies have contributed to the identification of specific integrin receptors, namely alpha 2 beta 1, alpha 6 beta 1, and alpha 6 beta 4, implicated in breast carcinoma progression. Although this field is still emerging and much remains to be learned, potential integrin-dependent signaling targets have been identified.