Fibronectins and their receptors in cancer

Abstract

The extracellular matrix protein fibronectin and its receptors (integrins α5β1, α4β1, α9β1, αvβ3, αvβ1, and αvβ6) play an active role in tumor growth and metastasis. Numerous tumors exhibit increased expression of fibronectin and its receptors, thereby promoting proliferation, survival, and motility of tumor cells as well as their subsequent metastasis. Additionally, fibronectin and integrins on endothelial cells promote tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, thereby contributing to tumor metastasis. Antibodies against fibronectin are under development for cancer imaging and for targeted therapy. Antibodies directed against select fibronectin-binding integrins are also under clinical investigation, as these integrins are expressed on tumor cells and tumor neovessels. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010. All rights reserved.