Current status and perspectives in atomic force microscopy-based identification of cellular transformation.
Understanding the complex interplay between cells and their biomechanics and how the interplay is influenced by the extracellular microenvironment, as well as how the transforming potential of a tissue from a benign to a cancerous one is related to the dynamics of both the cell and its surroundings, holds promise for the development of targeted translational therapies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of atomic force microscopy-based technology and its applications for identification of cellular progression to a cancerous phenotype. The review also offers insights into the advancements that are required for the next user-controlled tool to allow for the identification of early cell transformation and thus potentially lead to improved therapeutic outcomes.
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Chenbo
C
Dong
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Xiao
X
Hu
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Cerasela Zoica
CZ
Dinu
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000473:pathology
atomic force microscopy (AFM); bio-nano-mechanical signature; cancerous phenotype; malignant transformation; nanoindentation