Link between defects in healthy cell arrangement and how quickly tumor cells invade tissue – sciencedaily

In APL Bioengineering, by AIP Publishing, biophysical researchers at the University of Wisconsin discuss how microscopic defects in healthy cell alignment can alter the ease with which ovarian cancer cells invade tissue. Using an experimental model, where cell composition mimics the lining of the abdominal cavity, the group found that disruptions in normal cell arrangement, called topological defects, affect the rate of tumor cell invasion.

“My lab is very interested in identifying ways to slow metastasis. This study is exciting because it demonstrates a unique role for the organization of non-tumor cells to help or slow this process,” said author Pamela Kreeger. “Identifying the factors that regulate this organization could help us achieve our goal. “

Topological defects are well known in the world of physics, ranging from quantum field theory to cosmological phenomena, but are only beginning to be used in medicine and biology.

The group’s model consisted of a single layer of healthy cells called mesothelial cells, the predominant cell type that lines structures inside the abdomen, where ovarian cancer often metastasizes.

“A common way to fill the space is honeycomb wrap, in which each ‘cell’ would be almost spherical,” said author Jacob Notbohm. “But in our case, the mesothelial cells were elongated, making honeycomb wrapping impossible.”

Such elongation led to areas of well-ordered cell layers and left other areas with alignment imperfections, causing the topological defects. These defects in this alignment have been associated with a multitude of microscopic influences, including altered cell density, movement and forces.

They seeded ovarian cancer cells above the mesothelial cell layer and compared the effect of the arrangement of mesothelial cells on how tumor cells crossed this barrier.

Cell flow patterns were different near the defects, with some defects causing cell flow inward, toward the center of the defect. At these inflow locations, cancer cells crossed the mesothelial barrier more slowly.

In addition to researching the impact of topographic organization on cancer cell metastasis, the group seeks to study the cause of topological defects, in hopes of finding ways to direct cell structuring in uses, such as tissue engineering.

Source of the story:

Material provided by American Institute of Physics. Note: Content can be changed for style and length.