Cell tension, matrix mechanics, and cancer development

Oncologists often diagnose cancer based on a change of tissue stiffness sensed by palpation, yet cancer researchers generally focus on biochemical signaling mechanisms. Tumors are more rigid because they have a stiffer extracellular matrix. A new study shows that this alteration of matrix mechanics...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCancer cell Vol. 8; no. 3; pp. 175 - 176
Main Authors Huang, Sui, Ingber, Donald E.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Elsevier Inc 01.09.2005
Subjects
Cell Shape
Extracellular Matrix - physiology
Humans
Neoplasms - pathology
Neoplasms - physiopathology
Signal Transduction
Stress, Mechanical
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Summary:Oncologists often diagnose cancer based on a change of tissue stiffness sensed by palpation, yet cancer researchers generally focus on biochemical signaling mechanisms. Tumors are more rigid because they have a stiffer extracellular matrix. A new study shows that this alteration of matrix mechanics activates integrins, which not only promotes mitogenic signaling through Erk but also cell contractility through Rho, which can further increase matrix stiffness. This establishes a positive feedback loop that switches on the malignant phenotype in mammary epithelial cells. This mechanical “autocrine loop” brings solid-state mechanotransduction on a par with oncogenic signaling pathways in malignant transformation.
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ISSN:1535-6108
1878-3686
DOI:10.1016/j.ccr.2005.08.009