Integrins are a group of trans-membrane receptors which encompass alpha and beta subunits acting as adhesion particles in addition to various other important cellular functions. Integrins are recognized to enable cell-cell, cell-ECM, cell-pathogen interface along with signaling through the plasma membrane comprising of critical cellular functions such as differentiation, migration in addition to survival. Several investigators have documented variations in integrin expression and function in several cancers. Numerous integrins such as αVβ3, αVβ5 and α5β1 are attributed to angiogenesis, a critical factor in tumor metastasis and tumor growth. In a recent study (1) it has been demonstrated that the integrins are capable of regulating the expression and activity of several proteases through various pathways there by contributing to the invasive potential of several tumors. FACS has also been successfully implemented in the quantitative analysis of serious effusions in clinical settings. It has been well documented that it is possible to quantitate the integrin molecule expression as detected by anti-alpha6 integrin subunit antibodies and by alpha and beta1 in malignant mesothelioma suggesting a role in tumor attachment to extracellular matrix (2). Novus Biologicals in the forefront specializing in flow cytometry reagents and offer the latest range of FACS related anti-integrin antibodies with cross reactivity against several species for your research needs.
