Regulation of Breast Cancer Progression by Extracellular Matrix Mechanics: Insights from 3D Culture Models

There is increasing evidence that alteration in mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) drives breast cancer progression, independent of genetic mutations. As such, how cells sense and respond to mechanical cues has become a critical area of study. Significant breakthroughs have been made using 3D culture systems that allow modeling of mammary epithelial cell (MEC) malignancy in vitro and advances in biomaterials that enable precise and independent manipulation of ECM mechanics. Here, we review the 3D materials systems that have pioneered MEC-ECM studies and innovations in engineered biomaterials that may advance the field of ECM-regulated breast cancer progression.