Monocytes use protrusive forces to generate migration paths in viscoelastic collagen-based extracellular matrices.

ABSTRACT: Circulating monocytes are recruited to the tumor microenvironment, where they can differentiate into macrophages that mediate tumor progression. To reach the tumor microenvironment, monocytes must first extravasate and migrate through the type-1 collagen rich stromal matrix. The viscoelastic stromal matrix around tumors not only stiffens relative to normal stromal matrix, but often exhibits enhanced viscous characteristics, as indicated by a higher loss tangent or faster stress relaxation rate. Here, we studied how changes in matrix stiffness and viscoelasticity impact the three-dimensional (3D) migration of monocytes through stromal-like matrices. Interpenetrating networks of type-1 collagen and alginate, which enable independent tunability of stiffness and stress relaxation over physiolo

SUBMITTER: Adebowale K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12207522 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature