The immense diversity of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins confers distinct biochemical
and biophysical properties that influence cell phenotype. The ECM is highly dynamic as it is …

We provide a comprehensive classification of the proteoglycan gene families and respective
protein cores. This updated nomenclature is based on three criteria: Cellular and subcellular …

The tumor microenvironment comprises a mass of heterogeneous cell types, including
immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, alongside cancer cells. It is increasingly …

▪ Abstract The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) constitute a multigene family of over 25
secreted and cell surface enzymes that process or degrade numerous pericellular …

ABSTRACT The α1β1, α2β1, α10β1 and α11β1 integrins constitute a subset of the integrin
family with affinity for GFOGER-like sequences in collagens. Integrins α1β1 and α2β1 were …

For at least 30 years, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been heralded as promising
targets for cancer therapy on the basis of their massive up-regulation in malignant tissues …

In recent years, the basement membrane (BM)—a specialized form of extracellular matrix
(ECM)—has been recognized as an important regulator of cell behaviour, rather than just a …

Functions of individual matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) differentially expressed by tumor
cells and stromal cells, are finely regulated by their spatial as well as temporal interactions …

Blood vessels promote tumour growth, and both blood and lymphatic vessels facilitate
tumour metastasis by serving as conduits for the transport of tumour cells to new sites …

1. From avascular to vascular It is clear that for vasculogenesis and angiogenesis to
effectively proceed during physiological and pathological From the earliest stages, the …