Contact guidance mediated three-dimensional cell migration is regulated by Rho/ROCK-dependent matrix reorganization.

ABSTRACT: Cells generate mechanical force to organize the extracellular matrix (ECM) and drive important developmental and reparative processes. Likewise, tumor cells invading into three-dimensional (3D) matrices remodel the ECM microenvironment. Importantly, we previously reported a distinct radial reorganization of the collagen matrix surrounding tumors that facilitates local invasion. Here we describe a mechanism by which cells utilize contractility events to reorganize the ECM to provide contact guidance that facilitates 3D migration. Using novel assays to differentially organize the collagen matrix we show that alignment of collagen perpendicular to the tumor-explant boundary promotes local invasion of both human and mouse mammary epithelial cells. In contrast, organizing the collagen matrix to

SUBMITTER: Provenzano PP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2586586 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature