Tumor-associated collagen signatures: An insight

Abstract

Tumor microenvironment has a diverse capability to induce both beneficial and adverse consequences for tumorigenesis. It is a multifactorial process induced by the imbalance in the tumor cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). Collagen, the main component of ECM, is traditionally regarded as a passive barrier to resist tumor cell invasion. In recent years, collagen is marked to have its pivotal role to initiate and promote tumor progression. Remodeling of collagen has been appreciated in various benign and malignant tumors. These alterations can be identified and demonstrated as tumor-associated collagen signatures that can be demonstrated using second harmonic generation imaging. Recognition of these characteristic changes in the organization of collagen fiber may potentially serve as an early diagnostic marker in various pathological processes, such as hyperplastic, dysplastic, and cancerous tissues. This review focuses on the physiological and pathological orientation of collagen fibers in relation to epithelium that acts as an image-based biomarker.