Berlin 2018 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 27: Cell Mechanics II

BP 27.10: Talk

Thursday, March 15, 2018, 12:30–12:45, H 1028

Influence of matrix and cellular properties on human cancer cell migration in 3D biomimetic matrices — •Tony Fischer and Claudia Tanja Mierke — Universität Leipzig, Peter-Debye-Institut

3D cellular motility in connective tissue is a fundamental process during tissue development and cancer progression, mostly studied in biomimetic in vitro models. Crucial factors for cancer metastasis are cellular motility and mechanical properties of the migrating cell and topology and elasticity of the surrounding matrix. ECM and cell properties are altered in many tumors as stiffness of the matrix and cells is linked to malignancy and metastasis. Different ECM models and quantifying algorithms exist to measure matrix topology, cell elasticity, motility and cell-matrix interactions. We used a collagen I ECM model comprised of rat tail collagen building elongated fibrils and bovine dermal collagen building node-shaped scaffolds to adapt to local inhomogeneities. Pore-size and topology was analyzed using a euclidean distance map approach to bubble analysis and a gel reconstruction algorithm using fuzzy-connectedness. Elastic properties of both cells and gels were determined using AFM. Cellular motility was analyzed using an invasion assay. Cell-mediated fiber displacement was determined using optical flow measurements. Our findings show that stiffer matrices indeed enhanced cellular motility. Malignant MDA-MB-231 cancer cells were softer, more motile and deformed their surrounding ECM more than less invasive MCF-7 cells. We are able to study cancer cell migration and mechanotransduction in our ECM model with tunable topology and mechanics and measure topological influences.