Modulation of Oncogenic Signaling Pathways and Cytoskeletal/Mechanotransduction Networks in Cancer

Dysregulated intracellular signaling networks are central drivers of cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. In addition to genetic and epigenetic alterations, dynamic modulation of oncogenic pathways -including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K–AKT–mTOR, MAPK/ERK, Hippo-YAP/TAZ, NF-κB, TGF-β, and inflammatory cascades- determines tumor cell behavior and plasticity. These pathways function within highly interconnected networks that integrate biochemical signals with cytoskeletal architecture and mechanical cues from the tumor microenvironment. Cytoskeletal remodeling, adhesion dynamics, and mechanotransduction not only regulate cell migration and invasion but also influence proliferation, survival, stemness, immune interactions, and therapy response. Understanding how oncogenic signaling is coordinated with cytoskeletal and mechanotransduction systems is therefore essential to reveal mechanisms of tumor adaptability and identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities.This Research Topic aims to deepen mechanistic understanding of how oncogenic signaling pathways are modulated and integrated with cytoskeletal and mechanotransduction networks in cancer. Despite extensive knowledge of individual oncogenic pathways, their dynamic interplay with cytoskeletal remodeling and mechanical signaling remains underexplored. Recent advances in live-cell imaging, mechanobiology, multi-omics, and systems-level modeling now enable detailed mapping of signaling–cytoskeleton interactions and their functional consequences. We seek contributions that elucidate how signaling network plasticity drives tumor progression, metastatic dissemination, immune evasion, and therapy resistance, and how these processes can be disrupted. By emphasizing pathway crosstalk, mechanotransduction, and functional outcomes, this Topic will highlight both fundamental mechanisms and translational strategies for targeting signaling and cytoskeletal dependencies in cancer.This Research Topic invites submissions that investigate modulation of oncogenic signaling and its integration with cytoskeletal dynamics and mechanotransduction in cancer. Studies may focus on signaling network crosstalk, tumor plasticity, biomechanical regulation, and functional outcomes such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, metastasis, and therapy response. We welcome mechanistic work using molecular, cellular, computational, and in vivo approaches, as well as translational studies that identify new therapeutic targets or biomarkers. Manuscripts may address any cancer type and should provide mechanistic insight into how signaling networks and cytoskeletal/mechanical systems co-regulate tumor behavior.We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:- Modulation and crosstalk of major oncogenic signaling pathways in cancer- Integration of signaling networks with cytoskeletal remodeling and cell polarity- Mechanotransduction pathways linking extracellular matrix dynamics to intracellular signaling- Actin, microtubule, and adhesion-associated signaling in tumor migration, invasion, and metastasis- Signaling mechanisms governing tumor plasticity, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and stem-like states- Inflammatory and microenvironment-derived signals shaping oncogenic network behavior- Functional outcomes of signaling modulation, including proliferation, apoptosis, metabolic adaptation, immune evasion, and therapy resistance- Therapeutic strategies targeting oncogenic signaling and cytoskeletal/mechanotransduction dependencies- Systems biology, imaging, and mechanistic modeling of signaling–cytoskeleton integration Topic editors: Ajay Bommareddy, Mohammad M. Abd-Alhaseeb Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77766/modulation-of-oncogenic-signaling-pathways-and-cytoskeletalmechanotransduction-networks-in-cancer