The role of network-forming collagens in cancer progression

Collagens are the main components of extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment. Both fibrillar and nonfibrillar collagens are involved in tumor progression. The nonfibrillar network-forming collagens such as type IV and type VIII collagens are frequently overexpressed in various types of human cancers, which promotes tumor cell proliferation, adhesion, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Studies on the roles of these collagens have shed light on the mechanisms underpinning the effects of this protein family. Future research has to explicit the role of network-forming collagens with respect to cancer progression and treatment. Herein, we review the regulation of network-forming collagens expression in cancer; the roles of network-forming collagens in tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis; and the clinical significance of network-forming collagens expression in cancer patients.