Mechanical compression regulates tumor spheroid invasion into a 3D collagen matrix.

ABSTRACT: Uncontrolled growth of tumor cells in confined spaces leads to the accumulation of compressive stress within the tumor. Although the effects of tension within 3D extracellular matrices on tumor growth and invasion are well established, the role of compression in tumor mechanics and invasion is largely unexplored. In this study, we modified a Transwell assay such that it provides constant compressive loads to spheroids embedded within a collagen matrix. We used microscopic imaging to follow the single cell dynamics of the cells within the spheroids, as well as invasion into the 3D extracellular matrices (EMCs). Our experimental results showed that malignant breast tumor (MDA-MB-231) and non-tumorigenic epithelial (MCF10A) spheroids responded differently to a constant compression. Cells with

SUBMITTER: Pandey M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10350096 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature