The Extracellular Matrix Dictates Regional Competence for Tumor Initiation
November 2023
in “
Nature
”
extracellular matrix ECM tumour initiation tumour invasion clonal analysis single-cell analysis functional analysis oncogenic mutant SmoM2 ear epidermis basal cell carcinoma cellular reprogramming embryonic hair follicle progenitor state collagen I collagen I network collagen I expression back skin cell competition tumour susceptibility tumor initiation tumor invasion SmoM2 ear skin BCC hair follicle progenitor collagen skin stiffness tumor resistance
TLDR The extracellular matrix affects where tumors can start in the body.
The study explores how the extracellular matrix (ECM) affects tumor initiation and progression, focusing on basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in different skin regions. Using wild-type and genetically modified mice, the researchers discovered that ECM composition, especially collagen I levels, determines whether oncogene-expressing cells become invasive. In the ear epidermis, SmoM2 cells become invasive BCCs, while high collagen I levels in the back skin restrict these cells to lateral expansion without invasion. Reducing collagen levels can overcome this resistance, enabling BCC development in the back skin. The findings underscore the ECM's crucial role in regional tumor competence and progression.
