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Updated: Jun 3, 2025

Preparation of 3D Collagen Gels and Microchannels for the Study of 3D Interactions In Vivo
Published on: May 9, 2016
The Multifaced Role of Collagen in Cancer Development and Progression
Gabriele Lo Buglio1,2, Alessandra Lo Cicero1, Simona Campora1
1Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
Collagen is a crucial protein in the extracellular matrix (ECM) essential for preserving tissue architecture and supporting crucial cellular functions like proliferation and differentiation. There are twenty-eight identified types of collagen, which are further divided into different subgroups. This protein plays a critical role in regulating tissue homeostasis. However, in solid tumors, the balance can be disrupted, due to an abundance of collagen in the tumor microenvironment, which significantly affects tumor growth, cell invasion, and metastasis. It is important to investigate the specific types of collagens in cancer ECM and their distinct roles in tumor progression to comprehend their unique contribution to tumor behavior. The diverse pathophysiological functions of different collagen types in cancers illustrate collagen's dual roles, offering potential therapeutic options and serving as prognostic markers.
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