The alpha 6 beta 4 integrin and epithelial cell migration.

Abstract

Although the involvement of alpha 6 beta 4, an integrin laminin receptor, in hemidesmosome organization has dominated the study of this integrin, recent studies are revealing novel functions for alpha 6 beta 4 in the migration of epithelial and carcinoma cells. The engagement of laminin by alpha 6 beta 4 can stabilize actin-rich protrusions and mediate traction forces necessary for cell movement. This integrin also has a significant impact on signaling molecules that stimulate migration and invasion, especially PI3-K and Rho GTPases. Activation of PI3-K by alpha 6 beta 4 enhances the formation of actin protrusions, and it may stimulate the function of other integrins, such as alpha 3 beta 1, that are also important for epithelial migration. Signaling through alpha 6 beta 4 may not always depend on the adhesive functions of this integrin, a possibility that has profound implications for migration and invasion because it implies that the ability of alpha 6 beta 4 to stimulate these processes is not limited to specific matrix environments.

• Authors: A M Mercurio, I Rabinovitz, L M Shaw
• Journal: Current opinion in cell biology (Curr Opin Cell Biol) Vol. 13 Issue 5 Pg. 541-5 (Oct 2001) ISSN: 0955-0674 [Print] England
• PMID: 11544021 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Surface
• Integrin alpha6beta4
• Integrins

Topics

• Animals
• Antigens, Surface (chemistry, physiology)
• Carcinoma (pathology)
• Cell Adhesion
• Cell Movement
• Epithelial Cells (physiology)
• Hemidesmosomes (metabolism)
• Integrin alpha6beta4
• Integrins (chemistry, physiology)
• Models, Biological
• Neoplasm Invasiveness
• Protein Structure, Tertiary
• Signal Transduction