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The Roles of Tissue Rigidity and Its Underlying Mechanisms in Promoting Tumor Growth
Muhammad Asyaari Zakaria1, Nor Fadilah Rajab2, Eng Wee Chua3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Science Programme, Centre for Toxicology & Health Risk Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Tissues become more rigid during tumorigenesis and have been identified as a driving factor for tumor growth. Here, we highlight the concept of tissue rigidity, contributing factors that increase tissue rigidity, and mechanisms that promote tumor growth initiated by increased tissue rigidity. Various factors lead to increased tissue rigidity, promoting tumor growth by activating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK). Consequently, result in recruitment of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor protection from immunosurveillance. We also discussed the rationale for targeting tumor tissue rigidity and its potential for cancer treatment.
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