The Extracellular Matrix: A Key Accomplice of Cancer Stem Cell Migration, Metastasis Formation, and Drug Resistance in PDAC.

ABSTRACT: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is rich in dense fibrotic stroma that are composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. A disruption of the balance between ECM synthesis and secretion and the altered expression of matrix remodeling enzymes lead to abnormal ECM dynamics in PDAC. This pathological ECM promotes cancer growth, survival, invasion, and alters the behavior of fibroblasts and immune cells leading to metastasis formation and chemotherapy resistance, which contribute to the high lethality of PDAC. Additionally, recent evidence highlights that ECM, as a major structural component of the tumor microenvironment, is a highly dynamic structure in which ECM proteins establish a physical and biochemical niche for cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are characterized by self-renewal,

SUBMITTER: Wang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9406497 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature