The Roles of Tissue Rigidity and Its Underlying Mechanisms in Promoting Tumor Growth

Abstract

Tissues become more rigid during tumorigenesis and have been identified as a driving factor for tumor growth. Here, we highlight the concept of tissue rigidity, contributing factors that increase tissue rigidity, and mechanisms that promote tumor growth initiated by increased tissue rigidity. Various factors lead to increased tissue rigidity, promoting tumor growth by activating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK). Consequently, result in recruitment of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor protection from immunosurveillance. We also discussed the rationale for targeting tumor tissue rigidity and its potential for cancer treatment.

Keywords:

• Tissue rigidity
• tumor growth
• focal adhesion kinase (FAK)
• Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)
• tumor growth factor (TGF-β)

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia for financial support under Grant [FRGS/1/2018/SKK06/UKM/03/1].