The Stiff Side of Cancer: How Matrix Mechanics Rewrites Non-Coding RNA Expression Programs.

Abstract

Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening is a defining biophysical feature of solid tumors that reshape gene regulation through mechanotransduction. Increased collagen crosslinking and stromal remodeling enhance integrin engagement, focal-adhesion signaling and force transmission to the nucleus, where key hubs such as lysyl oxidase (LOX), focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the Hippo co-activators YAP1 and TAZ (WWTR1) promote proliferation, invasion, stemness and therapy resistance. Here, we synthesize evidence that quantitative changes in matrix stiffness remodel the miRNome and lncRNome in both tumor and stromal compartments, including extracellular vesicle cargo that reprograms metastatic niches. To address heterogeneity in experimental support, we classify mechanosensitive ncRNAs into studies directly validated by stiffness manipulation (e.g., tunable hydrogels/AFM) versus indirect associations based on mechanosensitive signaling, and we summarize physiological versus pathophysiological stiffness ranges across tissues discussed. We further review competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks converging on mechanotransduction nodes and ECM remodeling enzymes, and discuss translational opportunities and challenges, including targeting mechanosensitive ncRNAs, combining ncRNA modulation with anti-stiffening strategies, delivery barriers in dense tumors, and the potential of circulating/exosomal ncRNAs as biomarkers. Overall, integrating ECM mechanics with ncRNA regulatory circuits provides a framework to identify feed-forward loops sustaining aggressive phenotypes in rigid microenvironments and highlights priorities for validation in physiologically relevant models.