Cyr61/CCN1 affects the integrin-mediated migration of prostate cancer cells (PC-3) in vitro

摘要

The cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61, CCN1), a member of the CCN-family, is a matricellular protein expressed and secreted by various cells. Among other actions, Cyr61 induces angiogenetic effects and enhances the tumorigenicity of solid tumors [1]. Cyr61 also mediates the adhesion and migration of tumor cells by interaction with various members of the integrin adhesion family. Integrins are het-erodimeric cell surface proteins which are involved in the steps of metastasis e.g. adhesion, migration and connecting inside and outside cell signals. Therefore, Cyr61 appears to have a key role in the function of integrin making Cyr61 an attractive target for interferring with tumor cell metastasis. However, these theoretical aspects are far from well understood.