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Updated: Dec 3, 2025

A Label-Free Segmentation Approach for Intravital Imaging of Mammary Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: May 24, 2022
Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Development of Cancer
Koyeli Girigoswami1, Devender Saini2, Agnishwar Girigoswami3
1Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, 603103, Tamilnadu, India. koyelig@chettinadhealthcity.com.
Abstract:
The importance of stem cell growth and its fate is highly essential for the use of stem cells in therapy and regeneration. There are conflicting evidences regarding the actual role of stem cells when injected into a patient towards damage recovery and its lifespan inside the body. Tumor microenvironment differs from that of normal cells and may have a role in the growth of stem cells when associated with them. In cancer, the uncontrolled growth of cells remodels the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM alteration occurs as the mutated fibroblast cells release growth factors into the ECM which further alters the ECM directly or changes the epithelial cells and then alters the ECM. In this review we will discuss about the components and functions of ECM and how does it differ in cancer cells compared to normal cells. Abnormal dynamics of the ECM and its role in cancer progression will also be discussed. Graphical abstract.
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