Study of Correlation of Biomechanics and Cancer Cell Phenotype by Brillouin Scattering (CAT#: STEM-ST-0144-YJL)

Introduction

The importance of biomechanics for tumour biology is increasingly acknowledged. Tumours generally exhibit biochemical and biomechanical properties that differ from those of normal tissue. In addition, the metastatic potential of tumour cells is linked to the cell's mechanical properties. Softer cell nuclei are related to a higher metastatic spread. Moreover, research suggests that mechanical stress and increased activation of mechanosignalling promote malignant transformation and metastatic processes. They also affect tissue perfusion, as well as angiogenesis. A comprehensive analysis of biomechanics provides important insights into disease-induced changes in stiffness. Therefore, strategies that consider tumour mechanics might lead to effective therapeutic approaches of treatment-resistant or metastatic cancer.