Alteration of expression in integrin beta 1-subunit correlates with invasion and metastasis in colorectal cancer.

We have investigated the expression of the integrin beta 1 subunit in 51 colorectal cancer tissues using immunoblotting and have determined the relationship between expression and clinical stage. In comparison with normal mucosa the pre-beta-subunit (the precursor of beta 1-subunit) was increased in 15 cases and decreased in two cases, and expression of the beta 1-subunit was decreased in two cases. These alterations of expression of the beta 1-subunit were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and depth of invasion (P < 0.01). These results suggest that integrin plays an important role in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer.