Adaptive mechanisms in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Functional role of proteoglycans and identification of potential treatment targets
Cancer cells reside in a complex microenvironment comprising stromal cells and immune cells embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM). Early on in tumor progression, cells reach a critical volume beyond which blood supply is impaired, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels (hypoxia) and nutrient supply. This situation triggers a stress response characterized by a metabolic switch to glycolysis, wh
