Extracellular Matrix: Emerging Roles and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Breast Cancer

Yunchun Zhao; Xiaoling Zheng; Yongquan Zheng; Yue Chen; Weidong Fei; Fengmei Wang; Caihong Zheng

doi:10.3389/fonc.2021.650453

Extracellular Matrix: Emerging Roles and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Breast Cancer

Front Oncol. 2021 Apr 22:11:650453. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.650453. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Yunchun Zhao^{1

2}, Xiaoling Zheng^{1

2}, Yongquan Zheng^{1

2}, Yue Chen^{1

2}, Weidong Fei^{1

2}, Fengmei Wang^{1

2}, Caihong Zheng^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
² Key Lab Women's Reproductive Health, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

Abstract

Increasing evidence shows that the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important regulator of breast cancer (BC). The ECM comprises of highly variable and dynamic components. Compared with normal breast tissue under homeostasis, the ECM undergoes many changes in composition and organization during BC progression. Induced ECM proteins, including fibrinogen, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and matricellular proteins, have been identified as important components of BC metastatic cells in recent years. These proteins play major roles in BC progression, invasion, and metastasis. Importantly, several specific ECM molecules, receptors, and remodeling enzymes are involved in promoting resistance to therapeutic intervention. Additional analysis of these ECM proteins and their downstream signaling pathways may reveal promising therapeutic targets against BC. These potential drug targets may be combined with new nanoparticle technologies. This review summarizes recent advances in functional nanoparticles that target the ECM to treat BC. Accurate nanomaterials may offer a new approach to BC treatment.

Keywords: breast cancer; extracellular matrix; nanoparticles; remodeling enzymes; therapeutic targets.

Publication types

Review