Colorectal cancer and the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors: current status and future directions.

Tumour progression is thought to be determined, at least in part, by the balance between available cell surface receptors and the nature of the surrounding extracellular matrix. The integrin family of transmembrane adhesion receptors involved in tumour cell-matrix interactions mediates cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Certain patterns of integrin receptor expression on normal and malignant colon epithelial cells are emerging, and it is now clear that integrins can also regulate such divergent processes as cell proliferation and programmed cell death in this tumour type. This implies that integrins are involved in signal transduction events within colon carcinoma cells consequent upon their adhesive interaction with matrix molecules. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in these events may lead to useful therapeutic strategies in the management of this disease.