Integrin α11: Key signaling pathways and tumor dynamics

This review provides a comprehensive exploration of Integrin α11 (ITGA11), a crucial cell adhesion receptor involved in diverse biological processes. Composed of α and β chains, ITGA11 forms heterodimers, with specific subtypes acting as primary receptors for native collagens. Understanding its structure, physiology, and expression, particularly in activated fibroblasts prevalent in pathological conditions including cancer, is essential. ITGA11's physiological distribution extends to developing cartilage and embryonic tissues, implicating its role in various developmental processes. In pathological conditions like cancer, ITGA11 expression is associated with poor prognoses. It significantly influences the tumor microenvironment by regulating collagen assembly and matrix remodeling, particularly through pathways such as TGF-β and Hedgehog signaling. Moreover, ITGA11 contributes to cancer progression via interconnected pathways like PI3K/AKT and PDGFBR/JNK, influencing tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Understanding ITGA11's role offers promising avenues for cancer therapy interventions, making it a key target in oncology research and clinical practice. This review underscores the importance of unraveling ITGA11's molecular mechanisms to enhance diagnostics and develop effective therapeutic strategies against cancer.