Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Long-term Intravital Immunofluorescence Imaging of Tissue Matrix Components with Epifluorescence and Two-photon Microscopy
Published on: April 22, 2014
Modulation of response to tumor therapies by the extracellular matrix
1Center for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Health Research Institute, Box 926, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada. caddison@ohri.ca
Abstract:
The composition of the extracellular matrix in tumors is vastly different from that found in the normal tissue counterparts. As the extracellular matrix can signal to cells via integrin binding and activation, which is known to modulate cell proliferation, survival and migration, it may influence the response of both tumor and endothelial cells to anticancer therapies. Certain tumor-associated extracellular matrix proteins have been shown to confer resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, radiation and anti-angiogenic factors. The current literature regarding this phenomenon and the potential therapeutic modalities to overcome extracellular matrix-induced resistance will be discussed.
Related Concept Videos
The Tumor Microenvironment
The Tumor Microenvironment
The Extracellular Matrix
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Extracellular Matrix
