Contractile forces during cancer cell migration in a 3-D connective tissue matrix

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ben Fabry
• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: from 2007 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 59573453

The general aim of the proposed project is to characterize the mechanical forces that cancer cells generate during their migration through a 3-dimensional connective tissue matrix. We propose two specific aims. The first aim is to develop a method for measuring the tractions that single cells exert on their surroundings during migration in a connective tissue matrix. The second aim is to test the hypothesis that cancer cell migration in a connective tissue matrix is augmented by the ability to generate higher forces. We will analyze the relationship between force generation and tumor cell invasion as a function of matrix stiffness, matrix protein concentration, mesh-size of the matrix scaffold, and pericellular proteolysis. These data will help us to understand the role of force generation for tumor invasion, and may help explain tumor-specific differences regarding invasiveness and tissue preferences during metastasis formation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: USA
• Participating Persons: James P. Butler, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Claudia Tanja Mierke