Decoding the Dynamic Matrix Complexity in Cancer
A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Tumor Microenvironment".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 37
Special Issue Editors
Interests: matrix pathobiology; molecular mechanisms in cancer progression; proteoglycans; glycosaminoglycans; metalloproteinases; growth factors; tumor microenvironment; 3D cell culture models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: extracellular matrix targeting; 3D cell culture models; cell signaling; estrogen receptors; proteoglycans; tumor microenvironment; microRNAs; epigenetics; bioscaffolds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: proteoglycans; glycosaminoglycans; cell migration; metastasis; cancer ECM; tumor markers; synthetic peptides
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Extracellular matrices (ECMs) are highly dynamic three-dimensional (3D) structural and cell regulatory meshworks of macromolecules, such as proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans (PGs/GAGs), collagens, laminins, elastin, (glyco)proteins, and matrix-degrading enzymes. Matrix macromolecules are characterized by high structural complexity and heterogeneity. They form complex networks through which they dynamically communicate with cells and shape the complex tumor microenvironment. ECMs are not merely structural components, but rather active and critical regulators of several homeostatic and pathological processes, such as cancer. Their molecular composition varies among different tissues and undergoes significant modifications and remodeling during cancer progression. The elucidation of the mechanistic aspects governing matrix assembly and modifications, as well as cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, is of critical importance to fully understand cancer pathobiology and to identify tumor biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets. Moreover, 3D cell culture models and bioscaffolds that mimic native ECM architecture and biophysical properties have emerged as powerful tools to investigate cell–matrix crosstalk and the dynamic interactions within the tumor microenvironment. This Special Issue of Cancers seeks to highlight the roles of effective matrix macromolecules, including matrix remodeling enzymes, PGs/GAGs, specific types of collagens and matrix (glyco)proteins, the modeling of tumor microenvironment complexity as well as the mechanisms underlying the dynamic cancer-associated cell–matrix interactions that drive cancer development and aggressiveness.
We invite submissions of original research articles and reviews that address topics that include but are not limited to the following, which are aligned with the aim of decoding dynamic matrix complexity:
- Proteoglycans and Glycosaminoglycans as Dynamic Regulators of Tumor Plasticity
- Targeting Matrix Remodeling Enzymes in Cancer Progression
- Collagen and Glycoprotein Networks as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets
- Cell Surface Matrix Receptors and Effectors in Pre-metastatic Niche Formation
- Matrix-Derived Bioscaffolds for Modeling Tumor Microenvironment Complexity
- 3D Cell Culture Models in Mimicking Tumor Microenvironment
Should you have any questions, require further information, or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to support and facilitate your participation.
Thank you for your interest in this Special Issue. We look forward to your contributions.
Prof. Dr. Nikos Karamanos
Prof. Dr. Zoi Piperigkou
Prof. Dr. Luisa Bracci
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- extracellular matrix
- cancer pathobiology
- 3D spheroids/organoids
- modeling tumor microenvironment complexity
- matrix-based bioscaffolds
- matrix remodeling
- cell surface matrix mediators and effectors
- matrix degrading enzymes
- proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans
- collagen
- matrix (glyco)proteins
- molecular targeting
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