Spatial Regulation of Endocytosis and Adhesion Formation Governs Breast Cancer Cell Migration Under Confinement.

ABSTRACT: Cell migration through confined spaces is a critical step in cancer metastasis, yet the spatial regulation of endocytosis and adhesion dynamics during this process remains poorly understood. To investigate this, we adapted a microfluidic platform that generates stable, spatially linear biochemical gradients across 5 μm-tall migration channels. COMSOL simulations and optical calibration using FITC-dextran confirmed that gradients form reliably within 5 min. The microdevice also supports long-term live imaging and is compatible with both spinning disk confocal and total internal reflection fluorescence structured illumination microscopy modalities, enabling high-resolution visualization of adhesion and endocytic structures. By leveraging this platform for spatially restricted drug delivery,

SUBMITTER: Chan ET 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12649363 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature