Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System
Published on: April 23, 2021
Oncogenic effects of ECM remodeling in obesity and breast cancer
Mackenzie L Hawes1, Marcus A Moody1, Caroline R McCauley2
1Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Abstract:
Extracellular matrix (ECM) components are key regulators in breast cancer progression, as ECM remodeling is essential for breast cancer cells to invade into surrounding tissue. This process is characterized by the alignment of fibrillar collagens, breakdown of basement membrane components, and increased interstitial collagen stiffness. In patients with obesity, pre-existing ECM changes, including excessive collagen deposition and heightened matrix stiffness, mimic alterations detected in breast cancer. Given that obesity is a predictor of poor prognosis and resistance to treatment in breast cancer, it is crucial to understand how ECM conditioned by obesity affects disease outcomes. In this review, we highlight known ECM changes that occur with breast cancer and obesity and describe how these changes impact cancer cell metastasis, disease progression, and the breast cancer tumor microenvironment. We examine how obesity driven ECM remodeling affects treatment response and resistance. Further, we discuss how the compounding factor of age contributes to remodeling and current preclinical models of ECM in breast cancer.
More Related Videos
10:55Analyzing the Communication Between Monocytes and Primary Breast Cancer Cells in an Extracellular Matrix Extract ECME-based Three-dimensional System
Published on: January 8, 2018
07:00Dual Effects of Melanoma Cell-derived Factors on Bone Marrow Adipocytes Differentiation
Published on: August 23, 2018
Related Concept Videos
The Tumor Microenvironment
The Extracellular Matrix
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...
Extracellular Matrix
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM