The extracellular matrix supports breast cancer cell growth under amino acid starvation by promoting tyrosine catabolism

Breast tumors are embedded in a collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) network, where nutrients are scarce due to limited blood flow and elevated tumor growth. This study shows that invasive breast cancer cells use macropinocytosis-dependent uptake and lysosomal degradation of ECM to promote their growth.