ITGA6 and neoplasm: These findings are of particular interest since high expression of α6β1 (CD49f) characterizes many tumour stem-like cells including those of the breast (Friedrichs et al, 1995; Honeth et al, 2008; Lathia et al, 2010; Mulholland et al, 2009; Schober & Fuchs, 2011; Vieira et al, 2012).