Physics of the Extracellular Matrix and Biology of Tumors — A Close Relationship
Keyword(s):
The physical properties of the extracellular matrix strongly influence tumor progression and malignancy. This impact can be direct by physically impeding or promoting tumor progression. Furthermore, the ECM properties can also indirectly modulate tumors via interaction with cellular signaling pathways, such as integrin or YAP/TAZ signaling. Conversely, tumors remodel and rebuild the extracellular matrix. This leads to a strong mutual influence of tumor and extracellular matrix including feedback loops and cascades of mutual interaction. Combinations of therapies that treat tumor signaling directly and indirectly via modulation of the tumor’s interaction with the extracellular matrix may thus leverage the success of cancer therapy.
2019 ◽
Vol 14
(3)
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pp. 219-225
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