Characteristic features of protein synthesis in the extracellular matrix during tumor growth

Changes in the biosynthesis of basic extracellular proteins (e.g., collagen proteins, fibronectins, proteoglycans) in the course of neoplastic growth are reviewed. Some peculiarities of quantitative changes in the biosynthesis and modifications of the primary structure of the above macromolecules are discussed in terms of neoplastic cell differentiation. The main emphasis is laid on the mechanisms underlying the disturbances in the biosynthetic activity of extracellular matrix proteins in neoplastic cells at different steps of protein synthesis and extracellular degradation of protein molecules.