Cell and Nucleus Shape as an Indicator of Tissue Fluidity in Carcinoma

Tissue, cell, and nucleus morphology change during tumor progression. In 2D confluent cell cultures, different tissue states, such as fluid (unjammed) solid (jammed), are correlated with shapes. These results do not have to apply a priori three dimensions. Cancer motility requires corresponds fluidization of the on bulk level. Here, we investigate fluidity in 3D determine how it correlates shape. patient samples mamma cervix carcinoma, find areas where cells can move or immobile. We compare spheroids composed from cancerous noncancerous line. Through mechanical spheroid-fusion experiments single live-cell tracking, show that sample is fluidized by active moving through tissue. The healthy, epithelial immobile behaves more solidlike. segmentations degree elongated This correlation links shapes behavior. two states matter tumors: an amorphous glasslike state characteristics jamming disordered state. Individual shape may serve marker for metastatic potential foster personalized cancer treatment.12 MoreReceived 28 October 2020Revised 21 December 2020Accepted 23 2020DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevX.11.011033Published American Physical Society under terms Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution this work must maintain attribution author(s) published article’s title, journal citation, DOI.Published SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasCell mechanicsCell migrationJammingPathologyTechniquesConfocal imagingBiological Physics