The extracellular matrix in breast cancer
Jacob Insua-Rodríguez1, Thordur Oskarsson2
1Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Cell Biology and Tumor Biology Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|January 9, 2016
Summary
The extracellular matrix (ECM) significantly changes in breast cancer, promoting tumor growth and metastasis. These ECM alterations offer potential drug targets for specific breast cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in regulating cellular functions.
- Significant alterations in ECM composition and organization occur during breast cancer development compared to normal mammary glands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional roles of induced ECM proteins and remodeling enzymes in breast cancer progression and metastasis.
- To identify potential ECM-specific therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ECM protein and enzyme expression in breast cancer tissues.
- Investigation of ECM's role in supporting cancer stem cell signaling and metastatic niche formation.
Main Results:
- Breast cancer features induced matrix proteins like collagens, fibronectin, laminins, proteoglycans, and matricellular proteins.
- Induced ECM proteins are crucial for breast cancer progression, metastasis, and the formation of metastatic niches.
- Increased ECM remodeling enzymes drastically alter matrix structure and biomechanics.
- Specific ECM components and enzymes are upregulated in breast cancer, unlike in healthy tissues.
Conclusions:
- The altered ECM in breast cancer, including specific protein induction and remodeling, drives tumor progression and metastasis.
- ECM components and associated enzymes represent promising, specific drug targets for breast cancer therapy.
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