Pericellular Matrix in Malignant Transformation

TLDR: This chapter describes the properties of the major defined matrix components, and considers their role for the cell phenotype, and emphasizes on the pericellular matrix components that seem to be involved in cell adhesion, and less on the extracellular matrix material.

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter describes the properties of the major defined matrix components, and considers their role for the cell phenotype The principal function of the matrix is to give mechanical support and to anchor cells in tissue type-specific structures, but it may also have other duties, such as that of a selective permeability barrier The composition of the matrix surrounding cells, the pericellular matrix, is closely dependent on the cell type and the degree of its differentiation It has been becoming increasingly evident that altered or defective cell surface-matrix interactions may be salient features of the malignant phenotype Failure to maintain an intact basal lamina may be involved in the neoplastic disorganization of tissue architecture and development of invasive tumors The chapter emphasizes on the pericellular matrix components that seem to be involved in cell adhesion, and less on the extracellular matrix material Furthermore, recent results on epithelial cells, proteolysis of basal laminae, and interstitial matrix, and to the matrix components that are characteristic of some tumor cells are also discussed in the chapter