Tumor cell interactions with the local microenvironment influence a range of cellular activities. A ubiquitous and important “;signal”; for tumor cells is the surrounding protein stroma, the extracellular matrix (ECM). This protein network varies in composition and structure throughout the body and within tissues, having a profound effect on the cells interacting with it. Input from these proteins regulates normal and tumor cell functions including adhesion, motility, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation.
