Work

Precancerous microenvironment: A signalling perspective

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: The progression from healthy tissue to malignancy involves a critical precancerous stage marked by cellular lesions with aberrant molecular and phenotypic characteristics. The fate of these lesions is shaped not only by cell-intrinsic alterations but also by the precancerous microenvironment (PME), an ecosystem of epithelial, stromal and immune cells embedded within the extracellular matrix. Focusing on epithelial precancers, this review first defines the metastable state and signalling networks that distinguish precancer from homeostasis and cancer. It then examines the models and technologies used to investigate PME signalling across spatial-temporal dimensions, followed by an integrated overview of how PME components collectively shape lesion trajectories. Finally, it outlines the outstanding questions and research priorities needed to advance mechanistic insight and realise the translational potential of PME-targeted interventions.

Source: Current Opinion in Cell Biology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102611

Author: Xiao Qin

Institutions: University of Oxford, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Cancer Cells and Metastasis

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,390