Matrix stiffness and its influence on pancreatic diseases

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer 2021-08, Vol.1876 (1), p.188583-188583, Article 188583
• Main Authors: Zhang, Weifan, Zhang, Simei, Zhang, Wunai, Yue, Yangyang, Qian, Weikun, Wang, Zheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ECM; Fibrosis; Matrix stiffness; Mechanical signals; Pancreatic cancer
• ISSN: 0304-419X; 1879-2561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188583

The matrix stiffness of the extracellular matrix(ECM), which is the slow elastic force on cells, has gradually become investigated. And a higher stiffness could induce changes in cell biological behaviors and activation of internal signaling pathways. Imbalanced stiffness of ECM is associated with a number of diseases, including pancreatic disease. In this review, we discuss the components of the ECM and the increased stiffness caused by unbalanced ECM changes. Next, we describe how matrix stiffness transmits mechanical signals and what signaling pathways are altered within the cell in detail. Finally, we discuss the effect of ECM on the behavior of pancreatic diseases from the perspective of matrix stiffness. •Matrix stiffness have been found closely related to differentiation, proliferation, invasion, drug resistance, etc.•The concept of matrix stiffness provides a new framework for our understanding of the interaction between cells and ECM.•Evidence shows that the pathway activated by the change of stiffness is cross-related with the chemical signaling pathway.•Understanding the the role of matrix stiffness in pancreatic diseases could inspire novel treatment.