Integrins in Cell Migration

Abstract

Integrin-based adhesion has served as a model for studying the central role of adhesion in migration. In this article, we outline modes of migration, both integrin-dependent and -independent in vitro and in vivo. We next discuss the roles of adhesion contacts as signaling centers and linkages between the ECM and actin that allows adhesions to serve as traction sites. This includes signaling complexes that regulate migration and the interplay among adhesion, signaling, and pliability of the substratum. Finally, we address mechanisms of adhesion assembly and disassembly and the role of adhesion in cellular polarity.

Mammalian CAP (Cyclase-associated protein) in the world of cell migration

“…5 Cell adhesion, through integrin activation, plays an important role in cell migration as it provides traction force essential for cell migration. 30 Sufficient traction force will not be generated if there is too little adhesion for the cells to attach well; on the other hand, too much cell adhesion causes abnormally strong cell attachment, which will also hinder motility. We propose that the increased adhesion in the CAP1-knockdown HeLa cells had a positive effect on cell motility because these cells are not strongly adherent, so as a result, the positive effects of increased lamellipodia and enhanced adhesion more than offset the negative effects caused by reduced actin dynamics.…”

Integrins in Wound Healing

“…Integrins play a central role in cell migration, where cell adhesion contacts function as signaling centers, and the linkages between ECM and actin cytoskeleton allow adhesion sites to serve as traction sites for cell movement. 88,89 Directional cell migration involves coordinated assembly of new adhesions at the front of the migrating cell into cellular protrusions and dissolution of adhesion contacts at their rear end. This process also involves integrin endocytosis and trafficking.…”

Hypoxia-induced Changes to Integrin α 3 Glycosylation Facilitate Invasion in Epidermoid Carcinoma Cell Line A431

“…Central to the process is modulation of tumor cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, other tumor or stromal cells, and the basement membrane, all of which involves members of the integrin family of adhesion molecules. Integrins are cell surface transmembrane glycoproteins that mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix attachment and communication, influencing cell cycle, motility, cytoskeletal organization, and morphology (20). Appropriate regulation of the glycosylation of integrins is crucial for their biological functions; for example, integrin ␣6␤1 could not bind to its ligands or be normally transported to the cell surface after treatment of cells with tunicamycin, a glycosylation inhibitor (21), and cleavage of the N-glycans of purified integrin ␣5␤1 blocked both heterodimer formation and ligand interaction (22).…”