Background: To understand the function of β6 integrin and elucidate its signaling pathways in TGF-β-induced EMT in breast cancer.
Methods: The interactions between TGF-β1 and β6 integrin were measured by coimmunoprecipitation. The EMT responses, phospherlation of PI3K/Akt and COX-2 expression were determined by real-time PCR, transwell assay, and western blot after the blockage of β6 integrin.
Results: TGF-β1 and β6 integrin could bind with each other. Blockage of β6 integrin rescued TGF-β1-induced EMT phenotype and reduced expression of COX-2 via dephosphorylation of PI3K/Akt.
Conclusions: β6 integrin plays a critical role in TGF-β1-induced EMT and overexpression of COX-2 in breast cancer.
Keywords: Breast carcinoma; COX-2; EMT; PI3K pathways; TGF-β; β6 integrin.