Integrin laminin receptors and breast carcinoma progression

This review explores the mechanistic basis of breast carcinoma progression by focusing on the contribution of integrins. Integrins are essential for p rogression not only for their ability to mediate physical interactions with extracellular matrices but also for their ability to regulate signaling pa thways that control actin dynamics and cell movement, as well as for growth and survival. Our comments center on the alpha6 integrins (alpha6 beta1 an d alpha6 beta4). which are receptors for the laminin family of basement mem brane components. Numerous studies have implicated these integrins in breas t cancer progression and have provided a rationale for studying the mechani stic basis of their contribution to aggressive disease. Recent work by our group and others on mechanisms of breast carcinoma invasion and survival th at are influenced by the alpha6 integrins are discussed.