Are cancer cells really softer than normal cells?. (6th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alibert, Charlotte; Goud, Bruno; Manneville, Jean‐Baptiste
• Is Part Of: Biology of the cell. Volume 109:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 167
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2017-04-06
• Subjects: Cancer -- Cell mechanics -- Cytoskeleton -- Microrheology; Cytology -- Periodicals; Electron microscopy -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1111/boc.201600078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0248-4900

Abstract

Abstract : Review : Most solid tumours are more rigid than their surrounding environment. In contrast, a growing number of studies show that individual cancer cells are more deformable than their healthy counterparts and that cell softening occurs during cancer progression. The mechanical differences between normal and cancer cells could be primarily due to modifications in the cytoskeleton, but other factors, such as the cell microenvironment, internal membrane trafficking or non‐equilibrium active forces, may contribute. Abstract : Solid tumours are often first diagnosed by palpation, suggesting that the tumour is more rigid than its surrounding environment. Paradoxically, individual cancer cells appear to be softer than their healthy counterparts. In this review, we first list the physiological reasons indicating that cancer cells may be more deformable than normal cells. Next, we describe the biophysical tools that have been developed in recent years to characterise and model cancer cell mechanics. By reviewing the experimental studies that compared the mechanics of individual normal and cancer cells, we argue that cancer cells can indeed be considered as softer than normal cells. We then focus on the intracellular elements that could be responsible for the softening of cancer cells. Finally, we ask whether the mechanical differences between normal and cancer cells can be used as diagnostic or prognostic markers of cancer progression.