Breast Cancer Cells Adapt Contractile Forces to Overcome Steric Hindrance.

ABSTRACT: Cell migration through the extracellular matrix is governed by the interplay between cell-generated propulsion forces, adhesion forces, and resisting forces arising from the steric hindrance of the matrix. Steric hindrance in turn depends on matrix porosity, matrix deformability, cell size, and cell deformability. In this study, we investigate how cells respond to changes in steric hindrance that arise from altered cell mechanical properties. Specifically, we measure traction forces, cell morphology, and invasiveness of MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells in three-dimensional collagen gels. To modulate cell mechanical properties, we either decrease nuclear deformability by twofold overexpression of the nuclear protein lamin A or we introduce into the cells stiff polystyrene beads with a diamete

SUBMITTER: Condor M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6451061 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature