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Review

Nature Reviews Cancer 6, 175–183 (1 March 2006) | doi:10.1038/nrc1817

New roles for integrins in squamous-cell carcinoma

Sam M. Janes & Fiona M. Watt

Although integrins are known to mediate invasion and metastasis, recent studies reveal new ways in which they contribute to squamous-cell carcinoma. Integrin mutation or upregulation can expand the tumour stem-cell compartment by inhibiting differentiation or apoptosis. Integrins that are expressed by differentiated cells can stimulate or inhibit the proliferation of neighbouring tumour stem cells. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the well-established links between altered integrin expression and tumour prognosis.