Substrate Stiffness Modulates Fibroblast Extracellular Vesicle Secretion Via Mechanotransduction Pathways.

ABSTRACT: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is recognized as a key regulator of cell behavior, with its stiffness playing a crucial role in the progression of pathological conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. While extracellular vesicles (EVs) are essential mediators of intercellular communication, the influence of matrix stiffness on EV secretion remains poorly understood. This study investigates how substrate stiffness affects EV size and composition in mouse mammary and cardiac fibroblasts, the key stromal cell types in breast cancer and cardiac microenvironments. Importantly, stiffness-tuned EV proteomic cargo is uncovered, providing new insights into how mechanical cues can reprogram the signaling functions of fibroblast-derived vesicles. The findings show that substrate stiffnes

SUBMITTER: Yang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12614139 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature