The extracellular matrix: a dynamic niche in cancer progression.

TitleThe extracellular matrix: a dynamic niche in cancer progression.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsLu P, Weaver VM, Werb Z
JournalJ Cell Biol
Volume196
Issue4
Pagination395-406
Date Published2012 Feb 20
ISSN1540-8140
KeywordsDisease Progression, Extracellular Matrix, Humans, Neoplasms
Abstract

The local microenvironment, or niche, of a cancer cell plays important roles in cancer development. A major component of the niche is the extracellular matrix (ECM), a complex network of macromolecules with distinctive physical, biochemical, and biomechanical properties. Although tightly controlled during embryonic development and organ homeostasis, the ECM is commonly deregulated and becomes disorganized in diseases such as cancer. Abnormal ECM affects cancer progression by directly promoting cellular transformation and metastasis. Importantly, however, ECM anomalies also deregulate behavior of stromal cells, facilitate tumor-associated angiogenesis and inflammation, and thus lead to generation of a tumorigenic microenvironment. Understanding how ECM composition and topography are maintained and how their deregulation influences cancer progression may help develop new therapeutic interventions by targeting the tumor niche.

DOI10.1083/jcb.201102147
Alternate JournalJ. Cell Biol.
PubMed ID22351925
PubMed Central IDPMC3283993
Grant ListP50 CA058207 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA057621 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA138818 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA138818 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R03 HD060807 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
U01 ES019458 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States