The laminin binding integrin alpha6beta1 in prostate cancer perineural invasion.

Metastasizing prostate tumor cells invade along nerves innervating the encapsulated human prostate gland in a process known as perineural invasion. The extracellular matrix laminin class of proteins line the neural route and tumor cells escaping from the gland express the laminin binding integrin alpha6beta1 as a prominent cell surface receptor. Integrin alpha6beta1 promotes aggressive disease and supports prostate tumor cell metastasis to bone. Laminins and their integrin receptors are necessary for the development and maintenance of the peripheral nervous system, indicating the potential role for integrin receptors in directing prostate tumor cell invasion on nerves during perineural invasion.