Beta-6-integrin in colorectal carcinoma: patho-functions and perspectives as a therapeutic target

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Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most challenging diseases world-wide, causing deaths of hundreds of thousands of people yearly. In our previous work we showed that ITGB6 expression and serum levels are increased in metastatic stages of CRC. Moreover, ITGB6 serum levels were found to be associated with therapy response and functional studies in CRC mouse models suggested that pharmacologic ITGB6 inhibition may counteract tumor growth. Here we aim to elucidate the role of ITGB6 as a pathogenic factor and therapeutic target in CRC. To achieve these goals we will apply state-of-the-art molecular approaches, novel ex vivo cell-based systems and in vivo mouse models. Translational validation of our results will be obtained using human samples obtained from large and clinically well-documented cohorts of CRC patients. The well-established co-operation and complimentary research expertise of the two project partners will highly foster the project success. The bi-national co-operation will (i) generate a high educational value for the employees involved, (ii) improve the understanding of CRC pathogenesis and (iii) provide novel avenues for treatment of this disease.