title: 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.affiliation: Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium. olivier.dewever@UGent.be
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: De Wever
authors.forename: An
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hendrix
authors.forename: Astrid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Boeck
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Westbroek
authors.forename: Geert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Braems
authors.forename: Shahin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Emami
authors.forename: Michle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sabbah
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gespach
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bracke
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000378:metabolism*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D045325:HCT116 Cells; D019073:HT29 Cells; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D032446:Myoblasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018874:Spheroids, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000494:pharmacology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D024042:Collagen Type I; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha