Fibronectin promotes tumor progression through integrin αvβ3/PI3K/AKT/SOX2 signaling in non-small cell lung cancer

The tumor microenvironment, especially the extracellular matrix (ECM), is strongly associated with cell proliferation and metastasis. Numerous studies have provided evidence suggesting that fibronectin (FN) in ECM supports cancer escape contributes to migration, resulting distant metastasis poor outcomes patients. In our study, it was demonstrated FN expression elevated tissues from highly malignant NSCLC patients, compared those low malignancy (p = 0.0076). Importantly, promoted proliferative phenotypes strengthened tumorigenesis capabilities cells, including A549 Lewis leading sustained growth vivo. Mechanistically, identified facilitated activation of integrin αvβ3/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which subsequently upregulated stemness through downstream transcription factor SOX2. Blockade αvβ3 signal efficiently suppressed both vitro conclusion, study could facilitate development αvβ3/PI3K/AKT/SOX2 pathway. enhance anticancer effects chemotherapy, offering an innovative approach for clinical therapy.