Modeling and quantification of cancer cell invasion through collagen type I matrices.

Abstract

Tumor invasion is the outcome of a complex interplay between cancer cells and the stromal environment. Considering the contribution of the stromal environment, we developed a membrane-free single-cell and spheroid based complementary model to study cancer invasion through native collagen type-I matrices. Cell morphology is preserved during the assays allowing real time monitoring of invasion-induced changes in cell structure and F-actin organization. Combining these models with computerized quantification permits the calculation of highly reproducible and operator-independent data. These assays are versatile in the use of fluorescent probes and have a flexible kinetic endpoint. Once the optimal experimental conditions are empirically determined, the collagen type-I invasion assays can be used for preclinical validation of small-molecule inhibitors targeting invasion. Initiation and monitoring of the single-cell and spheroid invasion model can be achieved in 8 h (over 3 days) and in 14 h (over 8 days) respectively.

• Authors: Olivier De Wever, An Hendrix, Astrid De Boeck, Wendy Westbroek, Geert Braems, Shahin Emami, Michle Sabbah, Christian Gespach, Marc Bracke
• Journal: The International journal of developmental biology (Int J Dev Biol) Vol. 54 Issue 5 Pg. 887-96 ( 2010) ISSN: 1696-3547 [Electronic] Spain
• PMID: 19757378 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Actins
• Collagen Type I
• Transforming Growth Factor alpha

Topics

• Actins (metabolism)
• Cell Culture Techniques (methods)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Movement (drug effects, physiology)
• Collagen Type I (metabolism)
• Cytoskeleton (metabolism)
• Extracellular Matrix (metabolism)
• Fibroblasts (drug effects, metabolism, pathology)
• HCT116 Cells
• HT29 Cells
• HeLa Cells
• Humans
• Models, Biological
• Myoblasts (drug effects, metabolism, pathology)
• Neoplasm Invasiveness
• Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology, physiopathology)
• Spheroids, Cellular (drug effects, pathology)
• Time Factors
• Transforming Growth Factor alpha (pharmacology)
• Tumor Cells, Cultured