Molecules of cell adhesion and extracellular matrix proteolysis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity with a poor 5-year survival rate, due in large part to the presence of metastatic disease at initial diagnosis. In recent years, a number of studies have examined the oral tumor microenvironment to asses the potential dynamic balance between extracellular matrix deposition and proteolytic degradation as well as the cellular adhesion molecules that mediate adhesion to matrix and regulate tissue cohesion. The objective of this review is to provide a brief overview of the major matrix components, adhesion molecules and proteolytic enzymes in the oral tumor microenvironment and to summarize recent findings regarding the role of these complex molecular players in oral tumor progression.