Figure 5.

Functions of ECMs, such as TME. The ECM represents an attachment scaffold for cells that is needed for maintaining the tissue polarity and asymmetric division of stem cells. Due to its composition, it can foster or impair cancer cell migration. The ECM can sequester growth factors and hinder their free diffusion. There are also other constituents of ECMs that can tether to growth factors and act as co-receptors or signal presenters, which aid in determining the cell-cell interaction direction. The breakdown of the ECM by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can modify the functionality of cancer cells. The physical characteristics of the ECM can be perceived through focal adhesions of cancer cells, which may result in various alterations of the cell phenotype, including the rearrangement of the 3D genome.