Recent progress on the effect of extracellular matrix on occurrence and progression of breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) metastasis is an enormous challenge targeting BC therapy. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the principal component of the BC metastasis niche, is the pivotal driver of breast tumor development, whose biochemical and biophysical characteristics have attracted widespread attention. Here, we review the biological effects of ECM constituents and the influence of ECM stiffness on BC metastasis and drug resistance. We provide an overview of the relative signal transduction mechanisms, existing metastasis models, and targeted drug strategies centered around ECM stiffness. It will shed light on exploring more underlying targets and developing specific drugs aimed at ECM utilizing biomimetic platforms, which are promising for breast cancer treatment. [Display omitted] •Summarized the role of extracellular matrix constituents and stiffness in breast cancer metastasis•Reviewed the regulation and signal transduction mechanism of extracellular matrix stiffness in breast cancer metastasis•Summarized models and targeted drugs of stiff matrix and proposed the idea for improving the therapeutics of breast cancer