Integrin receptors are the main molecular link between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as mediating cell–cell interactions. Integrin–ECM binding triggers the formation of heterogeneous multi-protein assemblies termed integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) that enable integrins to transform extracellular cues into intracellular signals that affect many cellular processes, especially cell motility. Cell migration is essential for diverse physiological and pathological processes and is dysregulated in cancer to favour cell invasion and metastasis. Here, we discuss recent findings on the role of integrins in cell migration with a focus on cancer cell dissemination. We review how integrins regulate the spatial distribution and dynamics of different IACs, covering classical focal adhesions, emerging adhesion types and adhesion regulation. We discuss the diverse roles integrins have during cancer progression from cell migration across varied ECM landscapes to breaching barriers such as the basement membrane, and eventual colonization of distant organs.

整合素受体是细胞和细胞外基质 (ECM) 之间的主要分子连接，并介导细胞间相互作用。整合素-ECM 结合触发异质多蛋白组装体的形成，称为整合素粘附复合物 (IAC)，使整合素能够将细胞外信号转化为细胞内信号，从而影响许多细胞过程，尤其是细胞运动。细胞迁移对于多种生理和病理过程至关重要，并且在癌症中失调，有利于细胞侵袭和转移。在这里，我们讨论关于整合素在细胞迁移中的作用的最新发现，重点是癌细胞传播。我们回顾了整合素如何调节不同 IAC 的空间分布和动态，涵盖经典的粘着斑、新兴的粘连类型和粘连调节。我们讨论了整合素在癌症进展过程中的不同作用，从跨不同 ECM 景观的细胞迁移到突破基底膜等屏障，以及最终在远处器官的定植。