Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

A Label-Free Segmentation Approach for Intravital Imaging of Mammary Tumor Microenvironment
10:39

A Label-Free Segmentation Approach for Intravital Imaging of Mammary Tumor Microenvironment

Published on: May 24, 2022

2.0K

Topographical changes in extracellular matrix: Activation of TLR4 signaling and solid tumor progression

Rhiannon M Kelsh1, Paula J McKeown-Longo1

  • 1Center for Cell Biology and Cancer Research, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208, USA.

Trends in Cancer Research
|March 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) from the extracellular matrix activate Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling, contributing to chronic inflammation and cancer progression. Understanding this link is key to new cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Chronic inflammation is linked to cancer progression, but the mechanisms are unclear.
  • Innate immunity involves Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) from tissue matrix and Toll-like Receptors (TLRs).
  • TLRs are present on tissue and tumor cells, suggesting a role in cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived DAMPs in activating TLR4 signaling in cancer.
  • To explore how topographical changes in the ECM lead to DAMPs and TLR4 activation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on ECM-derived DAMPs and TLR4 signaling in tumor progression.
  • Analysis of biochemical and mechanical changes in the tumor microenvironment's ECM.
  • Examination of topographical changes contributing to DAMP release and TLR4 activation.

Main Results:

  • ECM-derived DAMPs can activate TLR4 signaling pathways.
  • Changes in ECM structure and composition in the tumor microenvironment release DAMPs.
  • TLR4 activation by DAMPs may drive chronic inflammation and support tumor progression.

Conclusions:

  • Dysregulation of innate immunity via ECM-derived DAMPs and TLR4 activation is critical in tumor-associated inflammation.
  • Targeting ECM-DAMP-TLR4 interactions could offer novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Keywords:
DAMPextracellular matrixfibronectintoll-like receptor-4

More Related Videos

Long-term Intravital Immunofluorescence Imaging of Tissue Matrix Components with Epifluorescence and Two-photon Microscopy09:00

Long-term Intravital Immunofluorescence Imaging of Tissue Matrix Components with Epifluorescence and Two-photon Microscopy

Published on: April 22, 2014

20.6K
Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells06:54

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells

Published on: October 27, 2020

13.1K

Related Concept Videos

The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
6.3K
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

2.7K
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
2.8K
Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
6.2K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.6K
The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
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...
10.7K