Role of alphavbeta3 integrin receptors in breast tumor.

The intriguing problem of tumor metastasis involves adhesion of the metastatic cells via the integrin group of cell surface receptors to the ECM proteins of the basement membrane. Modulation of integrin family of cell surface receptors is believed to be associated with stages of tumor metastasis. In this present study, results obtained indicate that alphavbeta3 vitronectin receptors may play an important role in the malignant behaviour of human breast tumor. Alphavbeta3 integrin receptors can modulate the activity of collagenase enzyme and thereby the invasive property of breast tumor cells.