Elucidating the Effects of Breast Cancer Soluble Factors on Conformation and Mechanics of the Extracellular Matrix

摘要

Our integrated conformational and mechanical study suggests that tumor soluble factors are at the origin of dysregulated polymerization of Fn. Cells deposit an altered, stiffer, ECM made of highly stretched Fn fibers likely exposing cryptic sites that further disrupt biochemical signaling (i) between the cell and its ECM, and (ii) between ECM components. Overall, conformational and mechanical signals from the ECM may up-regulate certain proliferative signaling pathways, creating a dysregulated positive feedback mechanism that may be implicated in tumor progression and eventual metastasis.