@article{3443,
  keywords = {Biomechanical Phenomena, Extracellular Matrix, Humans, Signal Transduction, Cell Movement, Neoplasms, Cellular Microenvironment},
  author = {Allison Simi and Mei-Fong Pang and Celeste Nelson},
  title = {Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Exists in a Feedback Loop that Drives Tumor Progression.},
  abstract = { <p>Cells communicate constantly with their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) to maintain homeostasis, using both mechanical and chemical signals. In cancer, abnormal signaling leads to stiffening of the ECM. A stiff microenvironment affects many aspects of the cell, including internal molecular signaling as well as behaviors such as motility and proliferation. Thus, cells and ECM interact in a feedback loop to drive matrix deposition and cross-linking, which alter the mechanical properties of the tissue. Stiffer tissue enhances the invasive potential of a tumor and decreases therapeutic efficacy. This chapter describes how specific molecular effects caused by an abnormally stiff tissue drive macroscopic changes that help determine disease outcome. A complete understanding may foster the generation of new cancer therapies.</p> },
  year = {2018},
  journal = {Adv Exp Med Biol},
  volume = {1092},
  pages = {57-67},
  month = {2018},
  issn = {0065-2598},
  doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-95294-9_4},
  language = {eng},
}