Head and Neck Cancers

Integrins α5β1, αvβ1, and αvβ6 Collaborate in Squamous Carcinoma Cell Spreading and Migration on Fibronectin

Abstract The expression of αvβ6 fibronectin/tenascin receptor integrin is induced in malignant transformation of oral epithelium. In this study, we demonstrate the contribution of αvβ6 as well as other fibronectin receptor integrins in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell adhesion and migration. Of 11 SCC cell lines isolated from the head and neck area, 8 (73%) expressed αvβ6 integrin on the cell surface. Three cell lines were chosen for further functional experiments: 1 with relatively high, 1 with moderate, and 1 with minimal surface expression of αvβ6 integrin. In addition to αvβ6, all 3 cell lines expressed α5β1 and αvβ1 fibronectin receptor integrins. Function-blocking experiments with i…