Tensile Forces Originating from Cancer Spheroids Facilitate Tumor Invasion.

ABSTRACT: The mechanical properties of tumors and the tumor environment provide important information for the progression and characterization of cancer. Tumors are surrounded by an extracellular matrix (ECM) dominated by collagen I. The geometrical and mechanical properties of the ECM play an important role for the initial step in the formation of metastasis, presented by the migration of malignant cells towards new settlements as well as the vascular and lymphatic system. The extent of this cell invasion into the ECM is a key medical marker for cancer prognosis. In vivo studies reveal an increased stiffness and different architecture of tumor tissue when compared to its healthy counterparts. The observed parallel collagen organization on the tumor border and radial arrangement at the invasion zone

SUBMITTER: Kopanska KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4896628 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature