摘要
Integrins are a family of transmembrane receptors that connect the extracellular matrix and actin skeleton, which mediate cell adhesion, migration, signal transduction, and gene transcription. As a bi-directional signaling molecule, integrins can modulate many aspects of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, integrins have a great potential as antitumor therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the recent reports of integrins in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing on the abnormal expression, activation, and signaling of integrins in cancer cells as well as their roles in other cells in the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the regulation and functions of integrins in hepatitis B virus-related HCC. Finally, we update the clinical and preclinical studies of integrin-related drugs in the treatment of HCC.
作者简介
Correspondence to:Zhaolin Sun,Department of Pharmacology,Dalian Medical University,Dalian,Liaoning 116044,China,E-Mail:zlsun56@yeah.net;Correspondence to:Deyu Fang,Department of Pathology,Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine,Chicago,IL 60611,USA,E-Mail:fangd@northwestern.edu
