Multiplicity of fibronectin-binding alpha(nu), integrin receptors in colorectal cancer

Current data from in vitro and in vivo animal models indicate that fibronectin-binding integrin receptors expressed by colon cancer cells may regulate tumour growth. While individual members of the beta(1) subfamily of integrins have now been clearly identified in colorectal cancer, little information exists with respect to the alpha(v) subfamily. In the present study we show that alpha(v) can associate with multiple and different beta subunits capable of binding fibronectin in this tumour type. This is likely to have functional implications for growth and spread of colorectal cancer.