Role of Extracellular Matrix in Cancer and Disease
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Cell Microenvironment".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 158
Special Issue Editors
Interests: extra-cellular matrix (ECM) turn-over and remodeling; matrix–metalloproteinases (MMPs) and TIMPs; heparanase; tumor invasiveness and metastasis; epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT); SPATA2 (spermatogenesis-associated protein 2)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: cancer invasion; extracellular matrix (ECM); epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT); 3D cultures; collagen
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: heparanase; organ fibrosis; inflammation; renal and peritoneal patho-physiology; epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT); molecular mechanisms in cancer progression
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex three-dimensional network composed of proteins, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and other molecules that provide structural and metabolic support to cells in tissues and organs. The ECM undergoes continuous remodeling by proteases and glycosidases that is strictly controlled under normal conditions and is essential for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. In pathological situations such as cancer and fibrosis, the remodeling of the ECM is dysregulated and constitutes one of the first events in the progression of the disease. For example, the altered expression of ECM macromolecules in the tumor microenvironment is able to condition the growth, survival and migration of tumor cells themselves. Starting from this evidence, recent studies have focused on identifying new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies targeting ECM molecules. The aim of this Special Issue of Cells is to bring to light new studies that advance our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involving the ECM in the biogenesis of cancer and other diseases.
Dr. Maurizio Onisto
Dr. Marco Franchi
Dr. Valentina Masola
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- extracellular matrix
- cancer
- disease
- ECM targeting
- ECM turn-over and remodeling
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