Shielding and nurturing: Fibronectin as a modulator of cancer drug resistance

Resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies constitute a common hallmark of most cancers and represent a dominant factor fostering tumor relapse and metastasis. Fibronectin, an abundant extracellular matrix glycoprotein, has long been proposed to play an important role in the pathobiology of cancer. Recent research has unraveled the role of Fibronectin in the onset of chemoresistance against a variety of antineoplastic drugs including DNA-damaging agents, hormone receptor antagonists, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, microtubule destabilizing agents, etc. The current review summarizes the role played by Fibronectin in mediating drug resistance against diverse anticancer drugs. We have also discussed how the aberrant expression of Fibronectin drives the oncogenic signaling pathways ultimately leading to drug resistance through the inhibition of apoptosis, promotion of cancer cell growth and proliferation.

Automated summary

Resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies is a common feature in most cancers and is a major factor in tumor relapse and metastasis. Fibronectin, a glycoprotein abundant in the extracellular matrix, has long been believed to play an important role in the pathobiology of cancer. Recent research has revealed the role of Fibronectin in the development of chemoresistance against various anticancer drugs. This review summarizes the role of Fibronectin in mediating drug resistance and discusses how aberrant expression of Fibronectin drives oncogenic signaling pathways leading to drug resistance through inhibition of apoptosis and promotion of cancer cell growth and proliferation.