Cells require interactions with extracellular matrix (ECM) components in order to undergo normal morphogenesis with respect to organogenesis. ECM plays a significant role in regulating numerous cellular functions, like cell shape, adhesion, migration, proliferation, polarity, differentiation and apoptosis. In pathological conditions such as cancer, increased synthesis of certain ECM components and/or increased breakdown with consequent generation of ECM cleavage products can contribute to cancer growth and progression. That many growth factors (i.e. FGF, VEGF) are stored in the ECM milieu and are released upon protease-dependent cleavage further confirms the importance of ECM in regulating cell functions.
Cell-Extracellular Matrix Interactions in Cancer describes how ECM creates a niche for tumor formation and the contribution of ECM components and their respective receptors in the development and spread of cancer.
Author(s): Jeffrey H. Miner (auth.), Roy Zent, Ambra Pozzi (eds.)
Edition: 1
Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York
Year: 2010
Language: English
Pages: 314
Tags: Cancer Research; Cell Biology; Pharmacology/Toxicology
Front Matter....Pages i-xii
The Extracellular Matrix: An Overview....Pages 1-17
Integrin Structure and Function....Pages 19-41
Cancer in Context: Importance of the Tumor Microenvironment....Pages 43-63
Basement Membrane Collagens and Cancer....Pages 65-85
Laminins and Cancer Progression....Pages 87-109
Fibronectins and Their Receptors in Cancer....Pages 111-136
Vitronectin-Binding Integrins in Cancer....Pages 137-170
The Function of SPARC in Tumor Cell Biology: SPARC as a Modulator of Cell–Extracellular Matrix Interaction....Pages 171-189
Proteoglycans and Cancer....Pages 191-215
Tetraspanins in Cancer....Pages 217-243
The Role of Integrin-Linked Kinase in Cancer Development and Progression....Pages 245-273
Focal Adhesion Kinase with the Interacting Proteins and Signaling in Cancer....Pages 275-305
Back Matter....Pages 307-314
