The role of collagens in glioma: A narrative review

Abstract

Glioma is the most common brain tumor in the central nervous system and characterized by diffuse invasion into adjacent brain tissue. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential component of the tumor microenvironment and it contributes to tumor progression through close interactions with glioma cells. Accumulated evidence has indicated that collagen levels, which are the most critical components of the ECM, are elevated in gliomas and collagen contributes to glioma progression. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the roles of various collagens in glioma. A better understanding of the interactions of various collagens with glioma cells may provide new therapeutic strategies for gliomas.