Recent progress on the effect of extracellular matrix on occurrence and progression of breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) metastasis is an enormous challenge targeting BC therapy. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the principal component of the BC metastasis niche, is the pivotal driver of breast tumor development, whose biochemical and biophysical characteristics have attracted widespread attention. Here, we review the biological effects of ECM constituents and the influence of ECM stiffness on BC metastasis and drug resistance. We provide an overview of the relative signal transduction mechanisms, existing metastasis models, and targeted drug strategies centered around ECM stiffness. It will shed light on exploring more underlying targets and developing specific drugs aimed at ECM utilizing biomimetic platforms, which are promising for breast cancer treatment.

Automated summary

This review discusses the biological effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) in breast cancer metastasis and drug resistance, as well as the influence of ECM stiffness on these processes. The article provides an overview of relative signal transduction mechanisms, metastasis models, and targeted drug strategies centered around ECM stiffness, shedding light on the exploration and development of breast cancer treatment.