Influence of Snail on Integrin Beta 1 Expression/Activity in Breast Carcinoma

摘要

We provide the first evidence that Snail-1, a tumor progression factor 1-3, influences breast tumor cell adhesion to matrix proteins. Specifically, we show that Snail-1 reduces alpha2 beta1 integrin expression levels in breast tumor cells. This novel Snail-1 activity results in impaired tumor cell adhesion to the alpha2 beta1 integrin-binding matrix protein Collagen-1. As a specificity control, we show that Snail-1 does not influence alpha5 beta1 integrin levels or alpha5 beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion to Fibronectin. Previous studies indicate a suppressive role for the alpha2 beta1 integrin in breast tumor cell migration 4, 5. Accordingly, we postulate that Snail-1 repression of alpha2 beta1 integrin expression promotes breast tumor cell motility, a topic of current study. Based on the knowledge that tumor cell migration is critical for tumor metastasis, we postulate that this novel Snail- 1 function promotes tumor metastasis, an area for future investigation.