Expression and functional characterization of the CXCR3-CXCR7heterodimer in glioblastoma

Tumor growth and dissemination is one of the most important issues in cancer biology. Chemokines are a superfamily of chemo-attract ant cytokines playing critical roles in these events. The biological effects of chemokines are mediated through seven transmembrane receptors coupled to G proteins. Chemokine receptors are usually coupled to Gi but may alsotrigger alternative signalling through β-arrestins. Tumor and stromal cells express diverse chemokines and chemokine receptors.