Fibronectin matrix assembly and its significant role in cancer progression and treatment

Abstract

Recently, the significant role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tumor progression has garnered great attention in biomedical research. Fibronectin (FN), an essential ECM glycoprotein in development and wound healing, is deregulated in various diseases, such as cancer and fibrosis. Alterations in FN fibril organization can affect ECM organization, cancer cell migration and growth, and tumor angiogenesis. This minireview discusses the recent advances in studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying FN matrix assembly, provides an overview of the role of FN matrix assembly in cancer progression, and highlights the potential for FN matrices as therapeutic targets or tools for cancer treatment.