Effects along the epithelial-mesenchymal biointerface in direct cell self-organisation: Multiscale theoretical...

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cancer Biology
• Cell Mechanics

Background:

• Epithelial cancers are a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide.
• Early detection and intervention, particularly understanding cancer cell dissemination, are crucial for improving patient survival.
• The physical mechanisms governing cell dynamics at the epithelial-cancer biointerface are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of physical factors, specifically viscoelasticity, on the spread of epithelial cancer.
• To elucidate the mechanical coupling between epithelial and cancer mesenchymal-like cells at the biointerface.
• To provide a multiscale mechanical perspective on cancer cell spreading dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical consideration of multiscale mechanics.
• Analysis of mechanical coupling between epithelial and cancer mesenchymal-like subpopulations.
• Utilizing model systems like co-cultured epithelial-mesenchymal spheroids.

Main Results:

• Physical factors, including subpopulation viscoelasticity and biointerface dilational viscoelasticity, significantly impact cancer spread efficiency.
• Mechanical coupling between cell subpopulations, driven by viscoelasticity, plays a critical role in cancer cell dissemination.
• A multiscale mechanical approach reveals key physical drivers of cancer spreading at the cellular to supracellular levels.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the physical dynamics at the epithelial-cancer biointerface is essential for developing strategies to combat cancer spread.
• Viscoelastic properties of cells and the biointerface are critical determinants of cancer progression.
• This study highlights the importance of a multiscale mechanical perspective in addressing cancer cell dynamics and spread.