Table 1 Extracellular matrix components and their functions in pancreatic cancer progression

Type 1 collagen

Maintain the invasive phenotype of tumor cells; contributes to drug resistance in PDAC cells by increasing the expression of membrane type 1-MMP which potentiates integrin signaling.

[128, 129]

Hyaluronan

Enhance cell proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis by interacting with CD44 and receptor for HA-mediated motility (RHAMM)

[130, 131]

Fibronectin

Promote tumor cell survival through increase ROS; Enhancing tumor cell migration through promoting FAK-dependent activation of Rho

[132, 133]

Laminin

Promote metastasis through the formation of hemidesmosomes; cleaved laminin stimulates motility of epithelial cells

[134]

Cytokeratin

Regulate cancer cell growth and motility through modulation of PI3K/Akt signaling

[135, 136]

Osteopontin

Contribute to chemoresistance towards Gemcitabine treatment via activation of NF-κB pathway

[137]

Thrombospondin-1

Facilitate tumor cell motility and metastasis through the up-regulation of matrix metalloprotease 9

[138]

Periostin

Promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells

[139]

Versican

Facilitate tumor cell growth and angiogenesis

[140]

Tenascin C

Enhances tumor cell motility through the activation of integrin signaling

[141]