Collective Transitions from Orbiting to Matrix Invasion in 3D Multicellular Spheroids.

ABSTRACT: Coordinated cell rotation along a curved matrix interface can sculpt epithelial tissues into spherical morphologies. Subsequently, radially-oriented invasion of multicellular strands or branches can occur by local remodeling of the confining matrix. These symmetry-breaking transitions emerge from the dynamic reciprocity between cells and matrix, but remain poorly understood. Here, we show that epithelial cell spheroids collectively transition from circumferential orbiting to radial invasion via bi-directional interactions with the surrounding matrix curvature. Initially, spheroids exhibit an ellipsoidal shape but become rounded as orbiting occurs. However, cells gradually reorient from coordinated rotation towards outward strand invasion due to the accumulation of contractile tractions at

SUBMITTER: Kim J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11844419 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature