Interaction between integrin α5 and fibronectin is required for metastasis of B16F10 melanoma cells

In this study, we report the role of integrin α5 in promoting melanoma metastasis. The α5 expression was remarkably elevated in highly metastatic B16F10 melanoma cells compared to lowly metastatic B16F1 cells, whereas no significant changes were detected in those of integrin α4, αv, and β1 subunits. Neutralization of α5 with anti-α5 antibody significantly suppressed the potential of B16F10 cells for pulmonary metastasis in mice and inhibited cell adhesion or spreading to fibronectin in vitro. Furthermore, loss of the interaction between α5 and fibronectin diminished cell survival and induced apoptosis in B16F10 cells. Above results provide clear evidence that integrin α5 is positively correlated with melanoma metastasis and might be an anti-melanoma target.