Extracellular matrix, biotensegrity and tumor microenvironment. An update and overview

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex 3D network essential for cellular structure and function.
• It acts as a biophysical filter and mediates crucial processes like immune response and tissue regeneration.
• Mechanical forces are transmitted through the ECM to activate cellular epigenetic mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and update current knowledge on the ECM's role in health and disease.
• To elucidate the consequences of ECM disturbance on cellular functions and tissue homeostasis.
• To explore the ECM's involvement in oncogenesis and the potential for therapeutic intervention.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research on ECM structure and function.
• Analysis of ECM's role in mechanotransduction and cell signaling.
• Examination of ECM's contribution to the tumor microenvironment and malignant phenotypes.

Main Results:

• ECM disturbance leads to impaired filtering, nutrition, cell innervation, and regeneration.
• Altered ECM disrupts mechanotransduction and compromises immune response against pathogens and tumors.
• The oncogenic capacity of stroma is linked to ECM alterations, tensegrity disruption, and the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• The ECM is critical for maintaining tissue integrity and function; its disruption has severe pathological consequences.
• Malignant phenotypes are intricately linked to ECM alterations and the tumor microenvironment.
• Correcting altered ECM cues offers a potential therapeutic strategy to reverse malignant transformations.