Extracellular Matrix Viscoelasticity Regulates Mammary Branching Morphogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Structural and mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulate tissue morphogenesis. Tissue development has conventionally been studied with ex vivo systems where the mechanical properties of the extracellular environment are either poorly controlled in space and time, lack tunability, or do not mimic ECM mechanics. For these reasons, it remains unknown how matrix stress relaxation rate, a time-dependent mechanical property that influences several cellular processes, regulates mammary branching morphogenesis. Here, the influence of matrix stress relaxation on mammary branching morphogenesis is systematically investigated using 3D alginate-collagen matrices and spheroids of human mammary epithelial cells. Slow stress relaxing matrices enhanced branching, which is accompanied by

SUBMITTER: Walter DI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12806548 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature