Integrin β6 expression in colorectal cancer cells promotes liver metastasis through enhanced adhesion to endothelial fibronectin.

ABSTRACT: Integrin β6 is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, with metastasis being a crucial determinant. Capillary endothelial cells (EC) in the liver and lung are the primary sites of contact for circulating tumour cells during metastasis. Here, we analysed the role of integrin β6 in tumour cells for their interaction with EC. Integrin β6 functions as a heterodimer with integrin αv. Interestingly, we found that liver and lung EC strongly express fibronectin, a high-affinity ligand of αvβ6. Expression of ITGB6 in CRC tumour cells closely correlated with their adhesion to EC. This interaction was greatly reduced by silencing ITGB6 in the tumour cells and was integrin β6 dependent under both static and flow conditions. Binding assays with fibronectin-coated surfaces, c

SUBMITTER: Passen CV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12334909 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature