The migratory behaviour of malignant gliomas relies on the interaction of integrins with extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) potently stimulates glioma cell motility whereas TGF-beta(2) is known for its immunosuppressive properties. Here, we show that both TGF-beta(1) and TGF-beta(1) promote migration of glioma cells. In parallel, TGF-beta(1), and TGF-beta(2), induce alpha(v) and beta(3) intergrin mRNA expression and enhance cell surface expression of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin, TGF-beta-mediated promotion of migration is abrogated by echistatin, a Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide antagonist of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin, and by a neutralizing anti-alpha(v)beta(3) integrin antibody. Taken together, we report a novel mechanism by which TGF-beta modulates cell ECM interactions and promotes glioma cell motility. (C) Academic Press.