Alteration of expression in integrin β1-subunit correlates with invasion and metastasis in colorectal cancer

We have investigated the expression of the integrin β1 subunit in 51 colorectal cancer tissues using immunoblotting and have determined the relationship between expression and clinical stage. In comparison with normal mucosa the pre-β-subunit (the precursor of β1-subunit) was increased in 15 cases and decreased in two cases, and expression of the β1-subunit was decreased in two cases. These alterations of expression of the β1-subunit were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and depth of invasion (P < 0.01). These results suggest that integrin plays an important role in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer.