Revolutionizing ECM Diagnosis and Cancer Therapy through Nanobiotechnology

Cancer care is undergoing a transformative evolution with the integration of innovative diagnostic techniques and precision treatment approaches. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and other molecules that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells in tissues. It plays a critical role in maintaining tissue architecture and function. The ECM is composed of a variety of components, including collagens, elastin, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid, each contributing to the ECM's structural integrity, elasticity, cell adhesion, and hydration.

In cancer, the ECM undergoes significant alterations that contribute to tumor progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Key roles of the ECM in cancer include tumor microenvironment modulation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and response to therapy. Despite advancements in precision medicine, which customizes treatment plans based on the genetic makeup of each patient's cancer enhancing treatment efficacy, there remains a need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Nanotechnology offers promising applications in ECM detection, providing advanced tools for enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Examples nclude Nanoparticle-Based Imaging, such as Quantum Dots, used to label ECM components in high-resolution fluorescence imaging, or Gold Nanoparticles which enhance contrast in imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and photoacoustic imaging, or nanosensors, incorporating materials like carbon nanotubes or graphene, which detect specific ECM molecules by observing changes in their electrical or optical properties.

This Research Topic aims to explore and highlight promising, recent, and novel research trends in ECM detection and inhibition platforms. The main objectives include investigating novel diagnostic methods utilizing nanomaterials for molecular imaging and detection, understanding the mechanisms of ECM remodeling enzymes, and developing strategies to block ECM-cell interactions. Additionally, the research will focus on modulating ECM composition and enhancing immune responses to improve cancer therapy outcomes. By addressing these objectives, the research seeks to advance the understanding of ECM's role in cancer and develop innovative approaches for early detection and personalized treatment.

To gather further insights in the field of ECM detection and cancer therapy, we welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Novel Diagnostic methods (Applications of nanomaterials in Molecular Imaging/detection)

• Blocking ECM-Cell Interactions

• Modulating ECM Composition

• Enhancing Immune Response

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: ECM, molecular imaging, biomarker detection, proteomics, ECM treatment, nanobiotechnology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.