Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the tumor microenvironment: Roles of transforming growth factor-β and matrix metalloproteins

Abstract Cancer is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Tumor cells grow in a complex microenvironment, comprising immune cells, stromal cells, and vascular cells, collaborating to support tumor growth and facilitate metastasis. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a multipotent factor that can not only affect fibrosis promotion but also assume distinct roles in the early and late stages of the tumor. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) primarily function to degrade the extracellular matrix, a pivotal cellular player in tumor progression.