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New insights into the role of extracellular matrix during tumor onset and progression
Author(s) -
Pupa Serenella M.,
Ménard Sylvie,
Forti Stefania,
Tagliabue Elda
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of cellular physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.529
H-Index - 174
eISSN - 1097-4652
pISSN - 0021-9541
DOI - 10.1002/jcp.10142
Subject(s) - extracellular matrix , tumor microenvironment , stromal cell , microbiology and biotechnology , context (archaeology) , biology , extracellular , tumor progression , homeostasis , neoplastic transformation , malignant transformation , cancer research , tumor cells , cancer , carcinogenesis , genetics , paleontology
Abstract Recently, a view of the tumor as a functional tissue interconnected with the microenvironment has recently been described. For many years, the stroma has been studied in the context of the malignant lesion, and only rarely has its role been considered before carcinogenic lesions appear. Recent studies have provided evidence that stromal cells and their products can cause the transformation of adjacent cells through transient signaling that leads to the disruption of homeostatic regulation, including control of tissue architecture, adhesion, cell death, and proliferation. It is now well established that tumor progression requires a continually evolving network of interactions between neoplastic cells and extracellular matrix. A relevant step of this process is the remodeling of microenvironment which surrounds tumors leading to the release of ECM‐associated growth factors which can then stimulate tumor and/or endothelial cells. Finally, tumor cells reorganizing the extracellular matrix to facilitate communications and escape the homeostatic control exerted by the microenvironment modify response to cytotoxic treatments. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.