Transient external force induces phenotypic reversion of malignant epithelial structures via nitric oxide signaling.

ABSTRACT: Non-malignant breast epithelial cells cultured in three-dimensional laminin-rich extracellular matrix (lrECM) form well organized, growth-arrested acini, whereas malignant cells form continuously growing disorganized structures. While the mechanical properties of the microenvironment have been shown to contribute to formation of tissue-specific architecture, how transient external force influences this behavior remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that brief transient compression applied to single malignant breast cells in lrECM stimulated them to form acinar-like structures, a phenomenon we term 'mechanical reversion.' This is analogous to previously described phenotypic 'reversion' using biochemical inhibitors of oncogenic pathways. Compression stimulated nitric oxide production by

SUBMITTER: Ricca BL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5862525 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature