Solutions for Extracellular Matrix Changes in Tumor Metastasis

Relying on the technology platform of the Tumor Microenvironment Center, Alfa Cytology provides a full range of solutions for extracellular matrix changes during tumor metastasis, helping researchers successfully achieve their research goals.

Introduction

Tumor metastasis refers to the process of tumor spread from the primary tumor to distant tissues and organs, and is a characteristic of tumor malignancy. It is important to predict the likelihood of tumor metastasis, which will facilitate the implementation of personalized therapy at an early stage, which will lead to better tumor treatment. The transfer cascade reaction is mainly divided into 3 processes: 1. Invasion. Tumor cells acquire the ability to penetrate surrounding tissues, invading the basement membrane and extracellular matrix. 2. Infiltration. The migrating tumor cells infiltrate the lymphatic or vascular system. 3. Extravasation. Metastatic tumor cells reach secondary sites through the circulatory system and invade the vascular basement membrane and extracellular matrix. In order to dissociate from the primary tumor mass and invade the surrounding matrix, metastatic tumor cells lose cell-to-cell adhesion and changes in cell-extracellular matrix interactions, such as cell secretion of heparanase and matrix Metalloproteinases, thereby degrading the basement membrane and extracellular matrix (ECM).

Solutions

In recent years, studies on solid tumors such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer suggest that in the process of tumor development, the extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes a remodeling process similar to that during embryonic development. The most important feature of this remodeling is changes in the molecular composition of the ECM. The reconstituted ECM creates a loose microenvironment for the proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells, resulting in high proliferation, low differentiation, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. The relevant features and molecules of extracellular matrix remodeling can be used as important indicators for tumor clinical staging, early diagnosis and treatment, and prognosis. However, the complexity of ECM composition and structure and the significant intratumoral heterogeneity remain unclear, which may limit the application of ECM-targeted therapy. Alfa Cytology' preclinical research is in the process of developing various technologies to solve the above problems. It is hoped that the strategy of regulating tumor-related ECM is expected to generate new methods to further optimize the treatment and strategy of tumor immunotherapy.

Key technologies

At present, Alfa Cytology mainly uses multiphoton imaging technology, nanoantibody technology, multiplex immunohistochemistry, tissue decellularization technology, single cell sequencing and mass spectrometry to study the changes of extracellular matrix during tumor metastasis.

Multiphoton imaging techniques can explore changes in endogenous multiphoton signals and microstructural changes in the extracellular matrix. Combined with molecular biology techniques, it was revealed that the changes of endogenous multiphoton signals of EMC in the process of tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It also established a quantitative relationship between the endogenous multiphoton signal and the course of tumor development. It provides new ideas and means for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Nanoantibody technology successfully inhibited the growth of tumor cells by targeting the extracellular matrix of tumor cells, allowing nanoparticle-based CAR T cells to aggregate in the tumor microenvironment. When combined with non-invasive PET/CT imaging, tumors and metastases can be clearly seen. Our researchers are currently planning to develop nanoantibody technology for the treatment of tumors and metastases.

Alfa Cytology is committed to supporting scientists in making breakthrough scientific discoveries and developing new applications to accelerate new drug discovery and scientific diagnosis and treatment. Our high-performance scientific instruments and high-value solutions enable scientists to explore the mysteries of life at the tumor microenvironment level. Please tell us your project requirements, and we will provide you with a full service from solution to report. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.