Extracellular matrix stiffness: mechanisms in tumor progression and therapeutic potential in cancer
Abstract Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem composed of both cellular and non-cellular components that surround tumor tissue. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key component of the TME, performing multiple essential functions by providing mechanical support, shaping the TME, regul...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Experimental Hematology & Oncology |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40164-025-00647-2 |
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| author | Meiling Zhang Bin Zhang |
| author_facet | Meiling Zhang Bin Zhang |
| author_sort | Meiling Zhang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem composed of both cellular and non-cellular components that surround tumor tissue. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key component of the TME, performing multiple essential functions by providing mechanical support, shaping the TME, regulating metabolism and signaling, and modulating immune responses, all of which profoundly influence cell behavior. The quantity and cross-linking status of stromal components are primary determinants of tissue stiffness. During tumor development, ECM stiffness not only serves as a barrier to hinder drug delivery but also promotes cancer progression by inducing mechanical stimulation that activates cell membrane receptors and mechanical sensors. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of how ECM stiffness regulates tumor progression is crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets for cancer. This review examines the effects of ECM stiffness on tumor progression, encompassing proliferation, migration, metastasis, drug resistance, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune evasion, stemness, metabolic reprogramming, and genomic stability. Finally, we explore therapeutic strategies that target ECM stiffness and their implications for tumor progression. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4777d6e288ac428b8a2d1094ba41774b |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2162-3619 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Experimental Hematology & Oncology |
| spelling | doaj-art-4777d6e288ac428b8a2d1094ba41774b2025-08-20T02:11:46ZengBMCExperimental Hematology & Oncology2162-36192025-04-0114113410.1186/s40164-025-00647-2Extracellular matrix stiffness: mechanisms in tumor progression and therapeutic potential in cancerMeiling Zhang0Bin Zhang1School of Basic Medicine, China Three Gorges UniversitySchool of Basic Medicine, China Three Gorges UniversityAbstract Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem composed of both cellular and non-cellular components that surround tumor tissue. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key component of the TME, performing multiple essential functions by providing mechanical support, shaping the TME, regulating metabolism and signaling, and modulating immune responses, all of which profoundly influence cell behavior. The quantity and cross-linking status of stromal components are primary determinants of tissue stiffness. During tumor development, ECM stiffness not only serves as a barrier to hinder drug delivery but also promotes cancer progression by inducing mechanical stimulation that activates cell membrane receptors and mechanical sensors. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of how ECM stiffness regulates tumor progression is crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets for cancer. This review examines the effects of ECM stiffness on tumor progression, encompassing proliferation, migration, metastasis, drug resistance, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune evasion, stemness, metabolic reprogramming, and genomic stability. Finally, we explore therapeutic strategies that target ECM stiffness and their implications for tumor progression.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40164-025-00647-2Tumor microenvironmentExtracellular matrixStiffnessMechanical sensorCancer therapy |
| spellingShingle | Meiling Zhang Bin Zhang Extracellular matrix stiffness: mechanisms in tumor progression and therapeutic potential in cancer Experimental Hematology & Oncology Tumor microenvironment Extracellular matrix Stiffness Mechanical sensor Cancer therapy |
| title | Extracellular matrix stiffness: mechanisms in tumor progression and therapeutic potential in cancer |
| title_full | Extracellular matrix stiffness: mechanisms in tumor progression and therapeutic potential in cancer |
| title_fullStr | Extracellular matrix stiffness: mechanisms in tumor progression and therapeutic potential in cancer |
| title_full_unstemmed | Extracellular matrix stiffness: mechanisms in tumor progression and therapeutic potential in cancer |
| title_short | Extracellular matrix stiffness: mechanisms in tumor progression and therapeutic potential in cancer |
| title_sort | extracellular matrix stiffness mechanisms in tumor progression and therapeutic potential in cancer |
| topic | Tumor microenvironment Extracellular matrix Stiffness Mechanical sensor Cancer therapy |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40164-025-00647-2 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT meilingzhang extracellularmatrixstiffnessmechanismsintumorprogressionandtherapeuticpotentialincancer AT binzhang extracellularmatrixstiffnessmechanismsintumorprogressionandtherapeuticpotentialincancer |