The role of a2ß1 integrin in anchorage dependent apoptosis of breast carcinoma and hepatoma cells

Abstract

The role of collagen specific a2ß1 integrin in anchorage dependent apoptosis (anoikis) was investigated. Stimulation of a2ß1 signaling with immobilized anti-a2 antibody markedly sensitized human MCF-7 breast carcinoma and HepG2 hepatoma cells to anoikis. Accordingly, down-regulation of a2ß1 by a2-specific siRNA decreased the percentage of cells undergoing anoikis. These results for the first time provide direct evidence that a2ß1 receptor can transduce the signal to promote death in matrix deprived cells.