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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells
Published on: April 7, 2017
Matrix stiffness regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition via cytoskeletal remodeling and MRTF-A translocation in
Jun Dai1, Liang Qin1, Yan Chen1
1Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan 430030, China.
Abstract:
Matrix stiffness is known to alter cellular behaviors in various biological contexts. Previous investigations have shown that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes the progression and invasion of tumor. Mechanical signaling is identified as a regulator of EMT. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the influence exerted by matrix stiffness on EMT in osteosarcoma remains largely unknown. Using polyacrylamide hydrogel model, we investigate the effects of matrix stiffness on EMT and migration in osteosarcoma. Our data indicates that high matrix stiffness regulates cell morphology and promotes EMT and migration in osteosarcoma MG63 cell line in vitro. Notably, matrix stiffness promotes polymerization of actin and nuclear accumulation of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A). Furthermore, inhibiting MRTF-A by CCG 203971 significantly reduces EMT and migration on rigid gels. These data suggest that matrix stiffness of the tumor microenvironment actively regulate osteosarcoma EMT and migration through cytoskeletal remodeling and translocation of MRTF-A, which may contribute to cancer progression.
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