Cancer invasion into musculature: Mechanics, molecules and implications

Lianne Beunk, Kari Brown, Iris Nagtegaal, Peter Friedl, Katarina Wolf

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tumor invasion along structural interphases of surrounding tumor-free tissue represents a key process during tumor progression. Much attention has been devoted to mechanisms of tumor cell migration within extracellular matrix (ECM)-rich connective tissue, however a comprehensive understanding of tumor invasion into tissue of higher structural complexity, such as muscle tissue, is lacking. Muscle invasion in cancer patients is often associated with destructive growth and worsened prognosis. Here, we review biochemical, geometrical and mechanical cues of smooth and skeletal muscle tissues and their relevance for guided invasion of cancer cells. As integrating concept, muscle-organizing ECM-rich surfaces of the epi-, peri- and endomysium provide cleft-like confined spaces along interfaces between dynamic muscle cells, which provide molecular and physical cues that guide migrating cancer cells, forming a possible contribution to cancer progression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)36-45
Number of pages10
JournalSeminars in Cell and Developmental Biology
Volume93
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2019

Keywords

  • Cancer progression
  • Extracellular matrix
  • Guided cell migration
  • Smooth/skeletal muscle tissue
  • Tumour invasion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cancer invasion into musculature: Mechanics, molecules and implications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this