Towards a mechanistic understanding of tumor invasion - lessons from the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin

This review explores the mechanistic basis of carcinoma migration and invas ion by focusing on the contribution of integrins. Integrins are essential f or invasion not only for their ability to mediate physical interactions wit h extracellular matrices, but also for their ability to regulate signaling pathways that control actin dynamics and cell movement, as well as for grow th and survival. Our comments center on a unique member of the integrin fam ily, the alpha6 beta4 integrin, which is a receptor for the laminin family of basement membrane components. Numerous studies have implicated this inte grin in the invasion of solid tumors and have provided a rationale for stud ying the mechanistic basis of its contribution to the invasive process. Suc h studies have revealed novel insights into the mechanism of carcinoma inva sion that involve both the dynamics of cell migration and signaling pathway s that regulate this migration.