Critical functions of extracellular matrix in brain metastasis seeding

Arseniy E Yuzhalin; Dihua Yu

doi:10.1007/s00018-023-04944-z

Critical functions of extracellular matrix in brain metastasis seeding

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2023 Sep 20;80(10):297. doi: 10.1007/s00018-023-04944-z.

Authors

Arseniy E Yuzhalin¹, Dihua Yu²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd, Unit 108, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
² Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd, Unit 108, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. dyu@mdanderson.org.

Abstract

Human brain is characterized by extremely sparse extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite its low abundance, the significance of brain ECM in both physiological and pathological conditions should not be underestimated. Brain metastasis is a serious complication of cancer, and recent findings highlighted the contribution of ECM in brain metastasis development. In this review, we provide a comprehensive outlook on how ECM proteins promote brain metastasis seeding. In particular, we discuss (1) disruption of the blood-brain barrier in brain metastasis; (2) role of ECM in modulating brain metastasis dormancy; (3) regulation of brain metastasis seeding by ECM-activated integrin signaling; (4) functions of brain-specific ECM protein reelin in brain metastasis. Lastly, we consider the possibility of targeting ECM for brain metastasis management.

Keywords: Blood; Brain barrier; Brain metastasis; Extracellular matrix; Integrin; Reelin.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Blood-Brain Barrier
Brain
Brain Neoplasms*
Extracellular Matrix
Extracellular Matrix Proteins
Humans

Substances

Extracellular Matrix Proteins