Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

2D and 3D Matrices to Study Linear Invadosome Formation and Activity
Published on: June 2, 2017
Radiation-induced myosin IIA expression stimulates collagen type I matrix reorganization
Stéphanie Blockhuys1, Bart Van Rompaye, Riet De Rycke
1Department of Radiation Oncology and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. stephanie.blockhuys@ugent.be
Background And Purpose:
Extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization critically contributes to breast cancer (BC) progression and radiotherapy response. We investigated the molecular background and functional consequences of collagen type I (col-I) reorganization by irradiated breast cancer cells (BCC).
Materials And Methods:
Radiation-induced (RI) col-I reorganization was evaluated for MCF-7/6, MCF-7/AZ, T47D and SK-BR-3 BCC. Phase-contrast microscopy and a stressed matrix contraction assay were used for visualization and quantification of col-I reorganization. Cell-matrix interactions were assessed by the inhibition of β1 integrin (neutralizing antibody 'P5D2') or focal adhesion kinase (FAK; GSK22560098 small molecule kinase inhibitor). The role of the actomyosin cytoskeleton was explored by western blotting analysis of myosin II expression and activity; and by gene silencing of myosin IIA and pharmacological inhibition of the actomyosin system (blebbistatin, cytochalasin D). BCC death was evaluated by propidium iodide staining.
Results:
We observed a radiation dose-dependent increase of col-I reorganization by BCC. β1 Integrin/FAK-mediated cell-matrix interactions are essential for RI col-I reorganization. Irradiated BCC are characterized by increased myosin IIA expression and myosin IIA-dependent col-I reorganization. Moreover, RI col-I reorganization by BCC is associated with decreased BCC death, as suggested by pharmacological targeting of the β1 integrin/FAK/myosin IIA pathway.
Conclusions:
Our data indicate the role of myosin IIA in col-I reorganization by irradiated BCC and reciprocal BCC death.
More Related Videos
07:03Imaging Denatured Collagen Strands In vivo and Ex vivo via Photo-triggered Hybridization of Caged Collagen Mimetic Peptides
Published on: January 31, 2014
09:00Long-term Intravital Immunofluorescence Imaging of Tissue Matrix Components with Epifluorescence and Two-photon Microscopy
Published on: April 22, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Phases of Wound Repair
Formation of Blood Clot
In case of deep injuries, trauma to blood vessels results in blood loss. In the meantime, phospholipids released from the ruptured endothelial cellular membrane are converted into arachidonic...
Fibril-associated Collagen
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
Type IV Collagen of Basal Lamina
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can exist in...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...