ALTERATION OF EXPRESSION IN INTEGRIN BETA(1)-SUBUNIT CORRELATES WITH INVASION AND METASTASIS IN COLORECTAL-CANCER

We have investigated the expression of the integrin beta(1) subunit in 51 colorectal cancer tissues using immunoblotting and have determined the relationship between expression and clinical stage. In comparison with normal mucosa the pre-beta-subunit (the precursor of beta(1)-sub unit) was increased in 15 cases and decreased in two cases, and expres sion of the beta(1)-subunit was decreased in two cases, These alterati ons of expression of the beta(1)-subunit were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and depth of invasion (P < 0.01). These re sults suggest that integrin plays an important role in the invasion an d metastasis of colorectal cancer.