TUNABLE COLLAGEN I MATRICES FOR CELLULAR MIGRATION ASSAY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MITOTIC MAMMARY CELLS

Abstract

The mechanical properties of cells influence their function in the way they differentiate, proliferate, migrate, adhere, and sense their local microenvironment. In disease, these properties are significantly altered and are hallmarks of disease onset and progression. Cancer cells, particularly, have been shown to be softer than normal tissue, and the changes in mechanical properties are linked to tumor formation and metastatic potential. The study of mechanical properties of different cells and their diseased counterparts can therefore provide insight into both the normal development of tissue and the pathophysiology of disease and may aid in the development of novel diagnostic techniques and treatments.