Genetically Encoded Toolbox for Glycocalyx Engineering: Tunable Control of Cell Adhesion, Survival, and Cancer Cell Behaviors.

ABSTRACT: The glycocalyx is a coating of protein and sugar on the surface of all living cells. Dramatic perturbations to the composition and structure of the glycocalyx are frequently observed in aggressive cancers. However, tools to experimentally mimic and model the cancer-specific glycocalyx remain limited. Here, we develop a genetically encoded toolkit to engineer the chemical and physical structure of the cellular glycocalyx. By manipulating the glycocalyx structure, we are able to switch the adhesive state of cells from strongly adherent to fully detached. Surprisingly, we find that a thick and dense glycocalyx with high O-glycan content promotes cell survival even in a suspended state, characteristic of circulating tumor cells during metastatic dissemination. Our data suggest that glyc

SUBMITTER: Shurer CR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5966047 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature