Extracellular Matrix
Biochemistry · Topic 6
Source: NMC CBME Curriculum 2024 · Volume I · Biochemistry · Topic 6 · combined PDF page 165
Practice questions
- Which description best captures the role of the extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment?
- A tumor biopsy shows increased collagen cross-linking. Which enzyme family is most directly associated with promoting covalent matrix cross-links by oxidizing collagen?
- Which set contains only ECM substrates reported to be oxidized by the lysyl oxidase family?
- A patient with chronic liver disease has increased collagen deposition. Which interpretation of this finding is most accurate based on the relationship between matrix deposition and stiffness?
- Which sequence best summarizes the proposed stiffness-related vicious cycle in chronic liver disease?
- Which group of pathways is specifically identified as participating in stiffness-related signaling in chronic liver disease?
- In a review of liver fibrosis regression and regeneration, which pair is emphasized as particularly relevant to ECM remodeling?
- Which statement best reflects the role of ECM dynamics in the liver?
- A tumor develops a markedly stiffened ECM. Which direct consequence is highlighted as potentially limiting chemotherapy?
- Which combination consists of mechanical sensors or signaling effectors implicated in tumor responses to a stiffened ECM?
- A research team is designing a strategy to address resistance associated with a stiff tumor matrix. Which approach is most consistent with the review?
- Which interface is central to the described transmission of mechanical information from the cell surface to the extracellular matrix?
- A cell experiences a change in ECM mechanics. Which downstream cellular response is specifically discussed in relation to the nucleus as a force sensor?
- Which statement best describes the proposed relationship between ECM stiffness and tumor-cell metabolism?
- In the described ECM–CAF–tumor metabolic interaction, what can metabolically reprogrammed cancer-associated fibroblasts do?
- Which immune pattern is consistent with the metabolic and ECM-associated tumor microenvironment described in the review?
- A solid tumor shows spatial exclusion of immune cells associated with remodeled collagen. Which interpretation is most consistent with the ECM immune-evasion review?
- A tumor matrix contains abundant proteoglycans that bind and retain chemokines. What matrix-associated consequence is highlighted by the immune-evasion review?
- In a tumor, fibroblast-driven matrix stiffening is associated with limited immune-cell access. Which interpretation is best supported?
- What is the principal aim of decellularizing native tissue to prepare an ECM scaffold?
- Which set of approaches is identified as being used to remove cellular components during ECM decellularization?
- Which limitation of Matrigel is specifically identified as a motivation for developing tissue-specific decellularized ECM for organoid culture?
- Compared with a synthetic polymer matrix, what potential advantage of tissue-specific decellularized ECM is emphasized for organoid culture?
- After decellularization, a tissue-derived scaffold is less stiff than the native tissue. Which response is described as a possible way to restore biomechanical integrity while retaining biochemical fidelity?
- Which use of tissue-specific decellularized ECM is discussed for gastrointestinal organoids?