Mechanobiology in Oncology: Basic Concepts and Clinical Prospects

Overview

Journal Front Cell Dev Biol

Specialty Cell Biology

Date 2023 Nov 29

PMID 38020912

Authors

Michelle B Chen

Yousef Javanmardi

Somayeh Shahreza

Bianca Serwinski

Amir Aref

Boris Djordjevic

Emad Moeendarbary

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The interplay between genetic transformations, biochemical communications, and physical interactions is crucial in cancer progression. Metastasis, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, involves a series of steps, including invasion, intravasation, circulation survival, and extravasation. Mechanical alterations, such as changes in stiffness and morphology, play a significant role in all stages of cancer initiation and dissemination. Accordingly, a better understanding of cancer mechanobiology can help in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting the physical properties of tumours and their microenvironment presents opportunities for intervention. Advancements in imaging techniques and lab-on-a-chip systems enable personalized investigations of tumor biomechanics and drug screening. Investigation of the interplay between genetic, biochemical, and mechanical factors, which is of crucial importance in cancer progression, offers insights for personalized medicine and innovative treatment strategies.

Citing Articles

Mechanical signatures in cancer metastasis.

Agrawal A, Javanmardi Y, Watson S, Serwinski B, Djordjevic B, Li W NPJ Biol Phys Mech. 2025; 2(1):3.

PMID: 39917412 PMC: 11794153. DOI: 10.1038/s44341-024-00007-x.

NSCLC mechanobiology: Delving into the intricate pathways involved in the dynamic interplay between tumors and the TME.

Papavassiliou K, Gargalionis A, Basdra E, Papavassiliou A Exp Mol Med. 2024; 57(1):281-282.

PMID: 39741185 PMC: 11799444. DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01379-9.

Patient-specific colorectal-cancer-associated fibroblasts modulate tumor microenvironment mechanics.

Micalet A, Upadhyay A, Javanmardi Y, de Brito C, Moeendarbary E, Cheema U iScience. 2024; 27(6):110060.

PMID: 38883829 PMC: 11179580. DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110060.

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