Integrin α9β1-mediated cell migration in glioblastoma via SSAT and Kir4.2 potassium channel pathway

► Silencing MMP-9 and uPAR/cathepsin B reduce SSAT expression in vitro and in vivo. ► Our treatments reduces the interaction of α9β1 and SSAT with uPAR or cathepsin B. ► SSAT knockdown inhibits the migration potential of glioma xenograft cells. ► Kir4.2 silencing inhibits uPAR, MMP-9 or cathepsin B-mediated glioma cell migration. ► MMP-9 and uPAR/cathepsin B silencing reduces the co-localization of α9 with Kir4.2.