The role of protein kinase C and integrins in breast
cancer
Kouloukoussa Ì., Havaki S., Kittas Chr, Ìarinos Å.
Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, University
of Athens
Interactions between tumor cells and proteins of extacellular
matrix strongly influence tumor development, affecting cell proliferation
and survival, as well as the ability to migrate beyond the original
location into other tissues to form metastases. Many of these
interactions are mediated by integrins, a ubiquitously expressed
family of adhesion receptors. By regulating the adhesive capacity
of tumor cells, integrins control the formation of metastatic
tumors. Migration, growth and development, susceptibility to an
internal cell death program, and the formation of new blood vessels
to provide nutrients for the growing tumor are all influenced
by integrins. Gene expression of integrins is controlled by a
cytosplasmic family of proteins known as protein kinase C. The
latter consists of a family of 12 different PKC isoforms which
play essential role in many signal transduction pathways controlling
cell growth, transformation and differentiation. Additionally,
PKC is involved in cancer pathogenesis because elevated levels
of PKC activity were found in human breast tumors in comparison
with normal breast tissue. In this review updated literature is
provided concerning the role of integrins and their control by
protein kinase C in breast cancer. More specifically, the various
signaling pathways which correlate integrins with protein kinase
C are described and the possible new therapeutic strategies aiming
protein kinase C are underlined.
Key words: Protein kinase C, integrins, breast cancer.
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