Integrin αvβ6-associated ERK2 mediates MMP-9 secretion in colon cancer cells

There is general consensus that matrix metalloproteinases are involved in tumour progression. We show herein that inhibition of integrin alphavbeta6 expression in colon cancer cells suppresses MMP-9 secretion. This integrin-mediated event is dependent upon direct binding between the beta6 integrin subunit and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2. Targetting either beta6 or its inter-action with extracellular signal-regulated kinase in order to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase activity may offer a useful therapeutic approach in preventing growth and spread of colon cancer. (C) 2002 Cancer Research UK.