Cancer cells that can break out of a tumor and invade other
organs are more aggressive and nimble than nonmalignant cells, according to a
new multi-institutional nationwide study. These cells exert greater force on
their environment and can more easily maneuver small spaces.
The researchers report in the journal Scientific Reports
that a systematic comparison of metastatic breast-cancer cells to healthy
breast cells revealed dramatic differences between the two cell lines in their
mechanics, migration, oxygen response, protein production and ability to stick
to surfaces. The researchers discovered new insights into how cells make the
transition from nonmalignant to metastatic, a process that is not well
understood.