Metastatic cancer cells tenaciously indent impenetrable, soft substrates

Abstract

We present here the first evidence of mechanical penetration by a metastatic cancer cell. During metastasis, the invasive cancer-cell penetrates tissue and extracellular matrix, changes shape and applies force. These applied forces, in turn, depend on substrate stiffness and degradability. The initial stage of metastatic penetration comprises substrate indentation, which, however, has not yet been studied. Hence, we evaluate the evolution of indentation, focusing on differences relating to the metastatic potential (MP) of the cells and substrate stiffness. We found that metastatic cells attain a mushroom-like morphology and then, over several hours, repeatedly indent the substrate in a manner suggestive of a special role for the nucleus. Cells with higher MP have previously been shown to be softer internally and externally than those with lower MP yet, paradoxically, applied stronger forces. Cells of higher MP develop stronger forces on gels stiff enough to provide grip handles yet soft enough to indent, whereas benign cells did not indent substrates at all. These findings provide insight into the central role of physical forces in the initial stages of metastatic penetration and reveal new targets for treatment.