Extracellular Matrix: Emerging Roles and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Breast Cancer

Yunchun Zhao; Yunchun Zhao; Xiaoling Zheng; Xiaoling Zheng; Yongquan Zheng; Yongquan Zheng; Yue Chen; Yue Chen; Weidong Fei; Weidong Fei; Fengmei Wang; Fengmei Wang; Caihong Zheng; Caihong Zheng

doi:10.3389/fonc.2021.650453

Frontiers in Oncology (Apr 2021)

Extracellular Matrix: Emerging Roles and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Breast Cancer

Yunchun Zhao,
Yunchun Zhao,
Xiaoling Zheng,
Xiaoling Zheng,
Yongquan Zheng,
Yongquan Zheng,
Yue Chen,
Yue Chen,
Weidong Fei,
Weidong Fei,
Fengmei Wang,
Fengmei Wang,
Caihong Zheng,
Caihong Zheng

Affiliations

Yunchun Zhao: Department of Pharmacy, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Yunchun Zhao: Key Lab Women’s Reproductive Health, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Xiaoling Zheng: Department of Pharmacy, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Xiaoling Zheng: Key Lab Women’s Reproductive Health, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Yongquan Zheng: Department of Pharmacy, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Yongquan Zheng: Key Lab Women’s Reproductive Health, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Yue Chen: Department of Pharmacy, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Yue Chen: Key Lab Women’s Reproductive Health, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Weidong Fei: Department of Pharmacy, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Weidong Fei: Key Lab Women’s Reproductive Health, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Fengmei Wang: Department of Pharmacy, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Fengmei Wang: Key Lab Women’s Reproductive Health, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Caihong Zheng: Department of Pharmacy, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Caihong Zheng: Key Lab Women’s Reproductive Health, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.650453
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11

Abstract

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Increasing evidence shows that the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important regulator of breast cancer (BC). The ECM comprises of highly variable and dynamic components. Compared with normal breast tissue under homeostasis, the ECM undergoes many changes in composition and organization during BC progression. Induced ECM proteins, including fibrinogen, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and matricellular proteins, have been identified as important components of BC metastatic cells in recent years. These proteins play major roles in BC progression, invasion, and metastasis. Importantly, several specific ECM molecules, receptors, and remodeling enzymes are involved in promoting resistance to therapeutic intervention. Additional analysis of these ECM proteins and their downstream signaling pathways may reveal promising therapeutic targets against BC. These potential drug targets may be combined with new nanoparticle technologies. This review summarizes recent advances in functional nanoparticles that target the ECM to treat BC. Accurate nanomaterials may offer a new approach to BC treatment.

Published in Frontiers in Oncology

ISSN: 2234-943X (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/

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Abstract

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