Summary of the science
Cells have proteins on their surface known as integrins. These are used to physically 'stick' to other cells and the surrounding environment. These integrins are important and are used by cancerous cells to develop at many stages, including tumour growth and invasion to other tissues. The Ivaska Lab research how these integrins work in cancer progression and how they may be manipulated to prevent or treat cancer.
About the research
Integrins are transmembrane proteins used to adhere to other cells and the extracellular matrix. The Ivaska Lab study the role that these integrins play in cancer and have found that they are involved in almost every step of cancer progression. Targeting these proteins therefore may have therapeutic applications against cancer.
About the illustration