Affiliations 

  • 1 Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Science Programme, Centre for Toxicology & Health Risk Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 2 Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 3 Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 4 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Malaysia
Cancer Invest, 2020 Sep;38(8-9):445-462.
PMID: 32713210 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2020.1802474

Abstract

Tissues become more rigid during tumorigenesis and have been identified as a driving factor for tumor growth. Here, we highlight the concept of tissue rigidity, contributing factors that increase tissue rigidity, and mechanisms that promote tumor growth initiated by increased tissue rigidity. Various factors lead to increased tissue rigidity, promoting tumor growth by activating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK). Consequently, result in recruitment of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor protection from immunosurveillance. We also discussed the rationale for targeting tumor tissue rigidity and its potential for cancer treatment.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.