INTEGRINS AND GTPASES IN TUMOR-CELL GROWTH, MOTILITY AND INVASION

One of the most exciting aspects of recent research on cell-adhesion r eceptors is the realization that these molecules can participate in bi directional signal-transduction processes. Integrins can convey signal s from the extracellular matrix to the cell interior, and intracellula r events can influence the affinity of integrins for their ligands. An other important emerging concept is that integrins and small GTPases o f the Rho family work together to coordinate both cytoskeletal organiz ation and signalling processes. In this review, the authors examine in tegrin signalling and integrin-GTPase interplay in the context of canc er cell growth and behaviour.