Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2025
05:48
Tissue Engineering of Tumor Stromal Microenvironment with Application to Cancer Cell Invasion
Published on: March 18, 2014
9.9K
The Extracellular Matrix in Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Pathobiology and Cellular Signalling
Valeriya Pankova1, Khin Thway1,2, Robin L Jones2,3
1Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|December 27, 2021
Summary
Soft tissue sarcomas involve abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) and adhesion receptors. Targeting these interactions offers potential for new sarcoma drug targets and biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
Background:
- Soft tissue sarcomas are rare cancers originating from mesenchymal cells.
- These cancers are characterized by extensive production and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components.
- ECM ligands and adhesion receptors (e.g., integrins, discoidin domain receptors) are crucial in oncogenic processes like proliferation and invasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key ECM components in soft tissue sarcomas.
- To discuss the role of ECM proteins and their receptors in sarcomagenesis.
- To highlight the need for further research into ECM and adhesion receptor biology for therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of emerging studies.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical evidence.
- Focus on ECM components and adhesion receptors in soft tissue sarcomas.
Main Results:
- ECM and adhesion receptors are integral to sarcoma development.
- Specific ECM proteins and their cognate receptors are implicated in sarcomagenesis.
- Current understanding highlights their role in proliferation, invasion, and metabolism.
Conclusions:
- ECM-receptor interactions are critical in soft tissue sarcomas.
- Further comprehensive analysis of ECM and adhesion receptor biology is needed.
- Identifying new drug targets and prognostic biomarkers for these rare cancers is a priority.
Related Concept Videos
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
6.9K
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
6.9K
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
9.7K
Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
9.7K
01:26Extracellular Matrix
3.8K
Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
3.8K
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
2.8K
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
2.8K
01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
7.7K
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
7.7K
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
2.9K
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
2.9K