The role of integrin family in bone metabolism and tumor bone metastasis

Integrins have been the research focus of cell-extracellular matrix adhesion (ECM) and cytokine receptor signal transduction. They are involved in the regulation of bone metabolism of bone precursor cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), osteoblasts (OBs), osteoclasts (OCs), and osteocytes. Recent studies expanded and updated the role of integrin in bone metabolism, and a large number of novel cytokines were found to activate bone metabolism pathways through interaction with integrin receptors. Integrins act as transducers that mediate the regulation of bone-related cells by mechanical stress, fluid shear stress (FSS), microgravity, hypergravity, extracellular pressure, and a variety of physical factors. Integrins mediate bone metastasis of breast, prostate, and lung cancer by promoting cancer cell adhesion, migration, and survival. Integrin-mediated targeted therapy showed promising prospects in bone metabolic diseases. This review emphasizes the latest research results of integrins in bone metabolism and bone metastasis and provides a vision for treatment strategies.

Automated summary

Integrins play a crucial role in cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and cytokine receptor signal transduction, regulating bone metabolism. Recent studies have uncovered the involvement of integrins in bone metabolism pathways and their interaction with novel cytokines. Integrins act as transducers, mediating the effects of mechanical stress, fluid shear stress, microgravity, hypergravity, and other physical factors on bone-related cells. They also play a role in mediating bone metastasis of various cancers. Targeted therapy involving integrins shows promising potential for bone metabolic diseases. This review provides insights into the latest research on integrins in bone metabolism and metastasis and offers a vision for treatment strategies.