Dynamic integrin expression, atypical nuclear localization, and spatial distribution during ovarian cancer progression and metastasis

Our studies show that integrin expression and localization are dynamic, spatially regulated, and functionally compartmentalized during ovarian cancer progression and dissemination. The coordinated upregulation of integrins, other adhesion molecules (CD44, NCAM1, VCAM), ECM (FN1, collagens) and their regulators (SPP1, TIMP2,3) in response to the culture conditions indicate a complex reprogramming of adhesion networks that can facilitate different steps of ovarian cancer progression and dissemination. Nuclear localization of integrins and CD44 point to dual roles in adhesion, survival, and proliferation by activating adhesion-mediated signaling pathways and directly affect gene transcription that support a switch from a more dormant phenotype to active proliferation and invasion after adhesion.