CHAPTER 16. Fibroblastic Cell-derived Extracellular Matrices: A Cell Culturing System to Model Key Aspects of the Tumor Microenvironment

The extracellular matrix is a dynamic modulator of cellular function. Thus, to appropriately study matrix-induced cellular responses, cells' natural phenotypes and functions (in vivo) must be retained when cultured outside of the organism (in vitro). To this end, cell-derived matrices, known as CDMs, have become a valuable culturing system that enables researchers to elucidate numerous essential biological processes and multicellular functions regulated by cell–matrix interactions. This chapter highlights the historical perspective on the importance of the tumor microenvironment and focuses on the use of fibroblastic CDMs as a powerful culturing system for both basic and translational studies.