Integrins in cancer: insights into mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Integrins are transmembrane glycoproteins that act as essential adhesion receptors, allowing cells to communicate with the extracellular matrix (ECM). This interaction not only helps cells regulate adhesion, but also transmits signals that guide a variety of cellular processes. Once bound to the ECM, integrins play an important role in the cell differentiation, migration, proliferation, and survival, thereby maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, when integrin signaling becomes dysregulated, it is often associated with tumor development and progression. Abnormal integrin activity promotes uncontrolled cell growth, resistance to apoptosis, and the promotion of angiogenesis in tumors. They also provide resistance to therapies by disrupting growth suppressors. Due to their documented role in the process of tumorigenesis, integrins have become an interesting target for anticancer therapy. In this review, we discuss the function and structure of integrins, emphasizing how altered signaling in integrins consequently leads to cancer formation, progression, and metastasis. In addition, we review existing therapies that target integrins, discuss their limitations, and look at the future of integrin-based therapies. This review deepens our understanding of integrins, their role in cancer, and their possible role as a cancer biomarker.