Integrin beta-like protein 1 (ITGBL1) (ITGBL1)

Integrin beta-like protein 1 (ITGBL1) is a secreted protein that shares structural homology with the integrin beta subunits but lacks the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains required for traditional integrin signaling [1]. In the context of the ITGBL1–extracellular vesicles–NF-κB signaling axis, ITGBL1 is packaged into extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes, by cancer cells and released into the microenvironment [2]. These ITGBL1-enriched EVs are internalized by distant or neighboring cells, such as fibroblasts, where they trigger the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway [2]. This process promotes the formation of a pre-metastatic niche by inducing the transformation of resident fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and stimulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines [2,3]. Consequently, ITGBL1 serves as a critical mediator of tumor-stroma communication and a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting cancer metastasis and progression [2]. While no clinical drugs currently target ITGBL1 directly, experimental approaches focus on neutralizing antibodies or RNA interference to disrupt this signaling axis [3,4].

Other names

Integrin beta-like 1Osteoblast-specific cysteine-rich proteinTIEDTen beta integrin-like extracellular protein

Inhibition of ITGBL1-mediated activation of the NF-κB pathway, typically by blocking the secretion, uptake, or downstream signaling of ITGBL1-containing extracellular vesicles.