Role of Matrix in Cancers

A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 March 2025) | Viewed by 834

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Interests: cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will delve into the pivotal role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cancer, exploring its multifaceted functions within this context. The ECM is integral to cancer progression, influencing crucial aspects such as cancer cell growth, migration, and survival. We seek articles that examine how the ECM and its modifying enzymes regulate these cellular functions, offering insights into the dynamic interactions within the tumour microenvironment. Contributions discussing the interplay between the ECM and other components of the tumour microenvironment, including fibroblasts and immune cells, are particularly welcome, as they provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate network sustaining cancer development and resistance.

Dr. Elena Rainero
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • extracellular matrix
  • tumour microenvironment
  • cancer
  • cell–stroma interaction

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 641 KiB  
Article
Selected Elements of the Tumor Microenvironment (MMP-2, MMP-7, TIMP-2, CXCL-9, CXCL-10) in the Serum of Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
by Aleksandra Kaczorowska, Natalia Miękus-Purwin, Anna Owczarzak, Anna Gabrych, Małgorzata Wojciechowska, Ninela Irga-Jaworska, Sylwia Małgorzewicz, Małgorzata Rąpała and Joanna Stefanowicz
Cells 2025, 14(4), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14040297 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 577
Abstract
In recent years, researchers have been paying special attention to the tumor microenvironment (TME). One of the most important factors contributing to the development and progression of cancer is the destruction of elements of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The most important substances involved [...] Read more.
In recent years, researchers have been paying special attention to the tumor microenvironment (TME). One of the most important factors contributing to the development and progression of cancer is the destruction of elements of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The most important substances involved in regulating the extracellular matrix degradation process are extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs). In the process of cancer cell migration, chemokines secreted by target tissues, as well as the profile of chemokine receptors presented on cancer cells, play a key role. In the presented work, five components of the TME were selected: MMP-2, MMP-7, TIMP-2, CXCL-9, and CXCL-10. In the years 2018–2021, peripheral blood samples were collected before the start of treatment and then on day 33 of intensive treatment from 31 patients diagnosed with ALL. The results indicate that the levels of MMP-2, MMP-7, and TIMP-2 did not statistically significantly change before and during treatment of ALL patients. The decrease in CXCL-9 and CXCL-10 levels in the patients’ serum on the 33rd day of therapy turned out to be statistically significant. Our study indicates that serum is also a valuable material for the evaluation of these substances. Conclusions: CXCL-9 and CXCL-10 could be used as one of markers for monitoring the response to treatment and a potential marker of ALL recurrence in pediatric patients. The role of MMP-2, MMP-7, and TIMP-2 in the assessment of response to therapy in children with ALL has not been confirmed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Matrix in Cancers)
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