Synergistic Anticancer Strategy Targeting ECM Stiffness: Integration of Matrix Softening and Mechanical Signal Transduction Blockade in Primary Liver Cancers.

ABSTRACT: The development of primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [ICC]) is linked to its physical microenvironment, particularly extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. Potential anticancer strategies targeting ECM stiffness include prevention/reversal of the stiffening process and disruption of the response of cancer cells to mechanical signals from ECM. However, each strategy has limitations. Therefore, the authors propose integrating them to maximize their strengths. Compared with HCC, ICC has a stiffer ECM and a worse prognosis. Therefore, ICC is selected to investigate mechanisms underlying the influence of ECM stiffness on cancer progression and application of the integrated anticancer strategy targeting ECM stiffness. In summary, immunofluore

SUBMITTER: Shen Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11809367 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature