Gradient-induced instability in tumour spheroids unveils the impact of microenvironmental nutrient changes.

ABSTRACT: Tumours often display invasive behaviours that induce fingering, branching and fragmentation processes. The phenomenon, known as diffusional instability, is driven by differential cell proliferation, migration, and death due to the presence of metabolite and catabolite concentration gradients. An understanding of the intricate dynamics of this spatially heterogeneous process plays a key role in the investigation of tumour growth and invasion. In this study, we developed an in vitro tumour invasion assay to investigate cell invasiveness in tumour spheroids under a chemotactic stimulus. Our method, employing tumour spheroids seeded in a 3D collagen gel within a microfluidic chemotaxis chamber, focuses on the role of diffusive gradients. Using Time-Lapse Microscopy, the dynamic evolution of t

SUBMITTER: Ascione F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11379688 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature