The key role of extracellular matrix degradation in the preparation of the metastatic niche

Researchers from the "Extracellular Matrix, Cancer and Therapeutic Targets" team have highlighted the key role of extracellular matrix degradation in the preparation of the metastatic niche.

Peptides derived from the degradation of elastin bind to a receptor present on the surface of cancer cells, the RPSA protein. This interaction induces the formation of "bubbles" and the release of tumor extracellular vesicles whose fusion with healthy cells leads to a modification of their phenotype. These extracellular vesicles released under the influence of elastin peptides, carrying in particular proteases and adhesion receptors, diffuse through the bloodstream to prepare metastatic "niches" at a distance.

 

 

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