Modeling and quantification of cancer cell invasion through collagen type I matrices.
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.
De Wever
Olivier
O
Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium. olivier.dewever@UGent.be
Hendrix
An
A
De Boeck
Astrid
A
Westbroek
Wendy
W
Braems
Geert
G
Emami
Shahin
S
Sabbah
Michle
M
Gespach
Christian
C
Bracke
Marc
M
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
D000199:Actins; D024042:Collagen Type I; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha