Charting the unexplored extracellular matrix in cancer

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cancer Biology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• The extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cell behavior and tissue homeostasis.
• ECM dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer, influencing progression and metastasis.
• Most cancer research focuses on tumor cells, neglecting the ECM's role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the ECM's significance in cancer progression and metastasis.
• To introduce emerging tools for cataloging and charting the tumor ECM.
• To explore the ECM as a repository of anticancer targets.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of emerging tools and platforms.
• Focus on cataloging and charting the tumor ECM landscape.
• Analysis of interactions between cells, soluble factors, and ECM proteins.

Main Results:

• The ECM is a critical, yet understudied, regulator of cancer.
• Deconstructing the tumor ECM's complexity presents challenges.
• Emerging technologies offer new ways to study the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• The tumor ECM represents a promising area for novel anticancer strategies.
• Understanding ECM-cell interactions is key to targeting cancer progression.
• Advanced tools are essential for dissecting the tumor ECM's role in disease.