Extracellular Matrix and Tumor Metastasis Analysis

The extracellular matrix (ECM) pis a complex network of proteins and carbohydrates that provide structural and biochemical support to cells within tissues. At Alfa Cytology, we understand the significance of the ECM in the tumor microenvironment and offer specialized services to analyze its impact on cancer metastasis.

Introduction

The extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes a major part of the extracellular microenvironment. It can interact directly with cells through integrins or other cell surface receptors to regulate cell growth, metabolism, function, migration, proliferation and differentiation, and thus adjust the function of the entire tissue and organ. There are a variety of macromolecules that make up the ECM, and the main components can be grouped into three major categories: Structural proteins that form the backbone of the ECM by wrapping around the non-fibrous components. Ligand proteins that bind to cell surface receptors, all of which are available. Space-filling molecules of the ECM - proteoglycans such as glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and proteoglycans (proteoglycan). In terms of spatial structure, the extracellular matrix can be divided into basement membrane (BM) and interstitial connective tissue (ICT).

In recent years, studies on solid tumors such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer suggest that during tumor development, the ECM undergoes a remodeling process similar to that during embryonic development, and the most important feature of this remodeling is the alteration of the molecular composition of the ECM, which creates a permissive soil for tumor cells and leads to high proliferation, low differentiation, inhibition of apoptosis, and invasion and metastasis.

Our Services

The extracellular matrix controls the speed and direction of cell migration and provides a "scaffold" for cell migration. For example, fibronectin promotes the migration of fibroblasts and corneal epithelial cells; laminin promotes the migration of many tumor cells. Changes in the composition, physical properties and spatial conformation of the extracellular matrix play an important role in tumor proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Alfa Cytology has established an innovative tumor microenvironment center technology platform and is developing several technologies aimed at investigating the mechanisms of tumor extracellular matrix metastasis-associated molecules, changes in the extracellular matrix, and their effects on tumor metastasis. Extracellular matrix metastasis-related molecules can be used as important indicators for tumor clinical staging, early diagnosis, selection of clinical treatment options, and prognosis. Further studies on ECM remodeling are scientifically important for elucidating the mechanism of tumor development, and may identify new molecular targets for ECM, providing new ideas for the development of tumor vaccines and anti-tumor drugs with potential application value.

Key Technologies

Screening and analysis technology based on 3D high-intensity imaging has developed patient-relevant systems with translational capabilities that better mimic the heterogeneity and microenvironmental complexity of human tumors, preserving the natural tumor microenvironment with endogenous immune cells, fibroblasts, and other stromal components. This technology can be used to assess oncology drugs in patient tumors and allows better study of the role of the tumor extracellular matrix in tumor invasion and metastasis and its mechanisms of action.

Animal models include spontaneous tumor animal models, induced tumor animal models, transplanted tumor animal models and human tumor xenograft tumor models. The establishment of tumor animal models can study the role and mechanism of tumor extracellular matrix in tumor invasion and metastasis, and can also be used as a model for anti-tumor drug screening, providing theoretical guidance for clinical drug use and treatment of tumors.

Alfa Cytology is committed to supporting scientists in making breakthrough scientific discoveries and developing new applications to accelerate new drug discovery and scientific diagnosis and treatment. Our high-performance scientific instruments and high-value solutions enable scientists to explore the mysteries of life at the tumor microenvironment level. Please tell us your project requirements, and we will provide you with a full service from solution to report. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

For research use only.