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Updated: Feb 18, 2026

A Label-Free Segmentation Approach for Intravital Imaging of Mammary Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: May 24, 2022
The interplay between extracellular matrix remodelling and kinase signalling in cancer progression and metastasis
Joanna N Skhinas1, Thomas R Cox1
1a The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney , Sydney, NSW , Australia.
Abstract:
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a master regulator of cellular phenotype and behaviour. It plays a crucial role in both normal tissue homeostasis and complex diseases such as cancer. The interplay between the intrinsic factors of cancer cells themselves, including their genotype and signalling networks; and the extrinsic factors of the tumour stroma, such as the ECM and ECM remodelling; together determine the fate and behaviour of cancer cells. As a consequence, tumour progression, metastatic spread and response to therapy are ultimately controlled by ECM-driven fine-tuning of intracellular kinase signalling. The ability to target and uncouple this interaction presents an emerging and promising potential in the treatment of cancer.
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