Cancer cells with trapped nuclei cut their way through the extracellular matrix.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 30262828.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-018-06351-6 and PMC identifier 6160491.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
When an invading cancer cell attempts to pass through a hole in the extracellular matrix (ECM) which is too small for its nucleus, this generates physical tension. This tension is sensed by a nucleus–centrosome connection that activates trafficking of endosomal vesicles containing the matrix metalloprotease, MT1-MMP1 to the site of constraint. Recent evidence shows how focussed ECM degradation relieves the constraint and allows cancer cells to continue invading.
Medical subject headings
- Cell Nucleus
- Extracellular Matrix
- Neoplasms