Work

Recapitulating cancer cell invasion in vitro

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Confocal microscopy can visualize cancer cell metastasis in the vicinity of a primary tumor site in animal models of cancer in real time. However, spatial resolution of current microscopes in vivo remains limited and subcellular structures cannot be readily imaged, reducing the molecular mechanistic insights that can be directly obtained from in vivo models of cancer metastasis. Moreover, therapeutic approaches that are successful in rodent models do not always translate into actual therapeutic approaches to human cancers. Hence, in vitro models remain useful not only to further our basic understanding of cancer cell biology and the metastatic cascade but also for clinical applications, such as high-throughput drug screening and testing. In particular, in vitro structures that acknowledge the three-dimensionality of the stromal space during invasions may have a significant impact on oncology in the near future (1).

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1103983108

Authors: Dong-Hwee Kim, Denis Wirtz

Institution: Johns Hopkins University

Language: English

Topic: Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences