Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025
12:19
Three-Dimensional 3D Tumor Spheroid Invasion Assay
Published on: May 1, 2015
57.9K
Effect of Compressive Stress in Tumor Microenvironment on Malignant Tumor Spheroid Invasion Process
Ryota Nishi1, Yudai Oda2, Takashi Morikura1
1Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 9, 2022
Summary
This study shows that mechanical stress in the tumor microenvironment can transform noninvasive tumor cells into invasive phenotypes. This finding highlights the role of biomechanics in cancer progression and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Biology
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- The tumor microenvironment, encompassing both biochemical and biomechanical factors, influences cancer cell behavior.
- Solid stress generated by surrounding tissues is hypothesized to drive tumor cell invasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an in vitro model simulating the mechanical microenvironment of tumors.
- To investigate the impact of compressive stress on malignant tumor invasion.
Main Methods:
- Colorectal cancer cell spheroids were cultured in agarose gels of varying concentrations.
- The model simulated early-stage tumor formation and invasion under controlled mechanical stress.
Main Results:
- Spheroids in higher concentration gels exhibited unique growth patterns.
- External compressive loading induced significant growth alterations, even in lower concentration gels.
Conclusions:
- The mechanical microenvironment plays a crucial role in cancer cell phenotype transformation.
- Compressive stress promotes tumor cell spheroid growth and invasion, indicating a link between biomechanics and malignancy.
