Integrins and integrin-associated molecules: Targets for the development of antimetastasic therapies

Integrins are receptors that mediate cell adhesion and the formation of sig naling complex. Changes in the expression of integrins are required during the following steps in the generation of metastases: a) angiogenesis; b) de tachment from the primary tumor; c) tumor cell-platelet interaction; d) adh esion to vascular endothelium and e) proliferation. There is a correlation between invasive capability and changes in the expression of some proteins that are clustered in focal adhesion sites, as FAK, CD82, CD9 or CD63. Both , integrin blocking (using antibodies or RCD containing peptides), as well as induced changes in the expression of integrin-associated molecules, are able to inhibit formation of metastases. Discovery and characterization of molecules that regulate the adhesive capability of tumor cells, will lead t o development of antimetastasic therapies. In the search of tumor dissemina tion inhibitors, integrins and some integrin-associated molecules are impor tant pharmacological targets.