ECM Stiffness Sweet Spot (image)

University of Pennsylvania

Caption

Cancer cells respond to an optimal stiffness of surrounding ECM. If the collagen is too soft, it doesn't pull them hard enough to break cell-cell adhesion and leave the tumor. If it's too stiff, the pores in the ECM are too narrow for the cells to escape.

Credit

University of Pennsylvania

Usage Restrictions

None

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.