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Updated: Feb 17, 2026
A Macrophage-Tumor Spheroid Co-Invasion Assay
Published on: January 24, 2025
Macrophage-Dependent Cytoplasmic Transfer during Melanoma Invasion In Vivo
Minna Roh-Johnson1, Arish N Shah1, Jason A Stonick1
1Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Basic Sciences Division, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
Abstract:
Interactions between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages play critical roles in the initiation of tumor cell motility. To capture the cellular interactions of the tumor microenvironment with high-resolution imaging, we directly visualized tumor cells and their interactions with macrophages in zebrafish. Live imaging in zebrafish revealed that macrophages are dynamic, yet maintain sustained contact with tumor cells. In addition, the recruitment of macrophages to tumor cells promotes tumor cell dissemination. Using a Cre/LoxP strategy, we found that macrophages transfer cytoplasm to tumor cells in zebrafish and mouse models. Remarkably, macrophage cytoplasmic transfer correlated with melanoma cell dissemination. We further found that macrophages transfer cytoplasm to tumor cells upon cell contact in vitro. Thus, we present a model in which macrophage/tumor cell contact allows for the transfer of cytoplasmic molecules from macrophages to tumor cells corresponding to increased tumor cell motility and dissemination.
Insights
Tumor-associated macrophages transfer cytoplasm to tumor cells, enhancing cancer cell motility and spread. This cellular interaction, visualized in zebrafish and mice, reveals a new mechanism driving melanoma dissemination.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key players in the tumor microenvironment.
- Interactions between TAMs and tumor cells influence tumor cell motility and dissemination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and understand the dynamic interactions between tumor cells and macrophages.
- To investigate the role of macrophage-tumor cell contact in tumor cell dissemination.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution live imaging in zebrafish models.
- Cre/LoxP genetic strategy in zebrafish and mouse models.
- In vitro co-culture experiments.
Main Results:
- Macrophages dynamically interact with and maintain sustained contact with tumor cells.
- Macrophage recruitment to tumor cells promotes tumor cell dissemination.
- Cytoplasmic transfer from macrophages to tumor cells was observed, correlating with melanoma cell dissemination.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage-tumor cell contact facilitates cytoplasmic transfer, increasing tumor cell motility.
- This novel mechanism contributes to tumor cell dissemination and spread.
- Targeting macrophage-tumor cell interactions may offer therapeutic strategies for melanoma.
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