Dynamics of C6 astrocytoma invasion into three-dimensional collagen gels.
OBJECTIVE
The dynamic mechanisms underlying the three-dimensional invasive paradigm of C6 astrocytoma cells has been assessed.


METHODS
Spheroids of C6 astrocytoma cells were implanted into three-dimensional collagen type I gels (vitrogen 100) and individual C6 astrocytoma cell invasion monitored. Time-lapsed videomicroscopy was used to assess the dynamic components of cell invasion in three dimensions while scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to assess matrix architecture and the static aspects of cell invasion.


RESULTS
Videomicroscopy outlined an invasion paradigm continuum with repeating phases. A cell surface ruffling phase was followed by invadopodia extension and pull up phases. For some cells the collagen type I matrix extracellular matrix appeared to modify the ability of C6 cells to carry out their invasion paradigm.


CONCLUSIONS
C6 astrocytoma cells invading a three-dimensional collagen type I matrix utilize a invasion paradigm made up of a number of phases. A better understanding of the dynamic invasion paradigms of malignant glial cells may be useful in the development of effective treatment strategies to prevent or modify malignant glioma invasion.
Maestro
R D
RD
Brain Tumour Research Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Quebec, Canada. rdelmaestro@mni.mcgill.ca
Shivers
R
R
McDonald
W
W
Maestro
A D
AD
D000818:Animals; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000473:pathology*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D022081:Cell Surface Extensions / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003094:Collagen; D004867:Equipment Design; D005782:Gels; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D018715:Microscopy, Video / Q000295:instrumentation; D008954:Models, Biological; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D051381:Rats; D018874:Spheroids, Cellular / Q000473:pathology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000473:pathology
D005782:Gels; D003094:Collagen