Highly motile cells are metabolically responsive to collagen density

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Altered tissue mechanics and metabolism drive tumorigenesis.
• Mechanoresponsive metabolism influences cancer cell migration and metastasis.
• Tumor-associated collagen signature (increased collagen deposition) impacts cell behavior, but its effect on metabolism is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between extracellular matrix mechanics, individual cell bioenergetics, and migratory phenotype.
• To clarify the impact of varying collagen densities on cell metabolism and migration.
• To determine if cell population-based measurements obscure individual cell metabolic responses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a range of collagen densities to modulate cell migration.
• Studied individual cell bioenergetics over time using live-cell imaging.
• Sorted cells based on motility levels to analyze distinct cellular behaviors.

Main Results:

• Cellular energetics were dependent on collagen density exclusively in highly motile cells.
• Low-motility cells and the overall population did not show this direct correlation.
• Increased migration ability with higher collagen density correlated with reduced energy expenditure during movement.

Conclusions:

• A direct link exists between extracellular matrix mechanics, migratory phenotype, and cell bioenergetics.
• Energetic costs of cell movement are influenced by the extracellular matrix.
• Matrix properties significantly impact cell motility by modulating energy usage.