Fighting the force: Potential of homeobox genes for tumor microenvironment regulation
Josette M Northcott1, Jason J Northey2, J Matthew Barnes2
1Department of Surgery, Surgical Research Laboratory, UCSF, 1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Abstract:
Tumor cells exist in a constantly evolving stromal microenvironment composed of vasculature, immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, all residing within a dynamic extracellular matrix. In this review, we examine the biochemical and biophysical interactions between these various stromal cells and their matrix microenvironment. While the stroma can alter tumor progression via multiple mechanisms, we emphasize the role of homeobox genes in detecting and modulating the mechanical changes in the microenvironment during tumor progression.
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