Bi-directional stimulation of adherence to extracellular matrix components by human head and neck squamous carcinoma cells and endothelial cells

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cultures were established from two patients to determine if cancer and endothelial cells bi-directionally regulate their adherence to extracellular matrix components (ECM), an important process for tumor vascularization and metastasis. Soluble products from endothelial cells transiently enhanced adherence by HNSCC to ECM and increased surface levels of β1 and β4 integrins, although not β3. HNSCC products enhanced endothelial cell adherence to fibronectin and laminin, and β1 and β4 expression. These data show bi-directional enhancement of adherence to ECM and integrin expression among endothelial and tumor cells, which may facilitate metastasis and neovascularization.