The intriguing role of collagen on the rheology of cancer cell spheroids. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsvirkun, Daria; Revilloud, Jean; Giannetti, Arianna; Verdier, Claude
• Is Part Of: Journal of biomechanics. Volume 141(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: 74L15 -- 92C10 -- 74D05; Cancer cells -- Collagen -- Spheroids -- Viscoelastic -- Confocal microscopy -- AFM; Animal mechanics -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Mécanique animale -- Périodiques; Biomécanique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 571.4305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111229
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9290

Abstract

Abstract: Spheroids are multicellular systems with an interesting rheology giving rise to elasto-visco-plastic properties. They are good tumor models, but the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is not fully understood. ECM is an important link between cells and may have a significant impact on tissue organization. Here we determine viscoelastic properties of spheroids including different collagen I amounts using AFM and predict new frequency–dependent properties leading to soft glassy rheology behavior. A unified model – similar to single cell behavior – is proposed and discussed, while complementary confocal experiments reveal the microstructure of spheroids, with collagen I fibers serving as a skeleton for cells, thus reinforcing the spheroid viscoelastic behavior. Graphical abstract: