ArticlePLoS computational biology2021
Extracellular matrix density regulates the formation of tumour spheroids through cell migration.
Article in PLoS computational biology, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 29 papers.
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Who cites it
29 citing papers in PubMed, 61 citations in OpenAlex.
- Proteomic analysis of malignant ascites and its impact on ovarian cancer spheroids.Clinical proteomics · 2026Article
- Copper-Collagen Interactions Regulate the Mechanical and Invasive Properties of Tumor Spheroids.Advanced healthcare materials · 2026Article
- Multicellular microtissues from fused ligament- and bone-cell spheroids relevant to enthesis repair.Materials today. Bio · 2026Article
- Artificial Intelligence Virtual Organoids (AIVOs).Bioactive materials · 2026Review
- Exploring the relationship between vascular remodelling and tumour growth using agent-based modelling.PLoS computational biology · 2026Article
- Brillouin Microscopy of Breast tumor Spheroids On-a-Chip: Mechanical and Transcriptional Responses to Microfluidic-Induced Rapid Deformations.Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2026Article
- Enhancing therapeutic efficacy through degradation of endogenous extracellular matrix in primary breast tumor spheroids.The FEBS journal · 2025Article
- History of hypoxia exposure aids future cell invasion according to cell type and collagen density.Molecular biology of the cell · 2025Article
- Investigation of Anti-Cancer Properties of Nano-Encapsulated Ciprofloxacin Using 3D Cancer Cell Spheroids as Tumour Models.International journal of molecular sciences · 2025Article
- Immunomodulation Effects of Porcine Cartilage Acellularized Matrix (pCAM) for Osteoarthritis Treatment.Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine · 2025Article
- Quantitative characterization of the 3D self-organization of PDAC tumor spheroids reveals cell type and matrix dependence through advanced microscopy analysis.APL bioengineering · 2025Article
- A Simple Framework for Agent-Based Modeling with Extracellular Matrix.Bulletin of mathematical biology · 2025Article
- Modelling the Impact of HIF on Metabolism and the Extracellular Matrix: Consequences for Tumour Growth and Invasion.Bulletin of mathematical biology · 2025Article
- Research progress on the role of biomechanical clues in the progression of lung cancer.Frontiers in cell and developmental biology · 2025Review
- A hybrid computational model of cancer spheroid growth with ribose-induced collagen stiffening.Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology · 2025Article
- Computational modeling of the physical features that influence breast cancer invasion into adipose tissue.APL bioengineering · 2024Article
- Computational modeling of the physical features that influence breast cancer invasion into adipose tissue.ArXiv · 2024Article
- Biophysical Modeling of Actin-Mediated Structural Plasticity Reveals Mechanical Adaptation in Dendritic Spines.eNeuro · 2024Article
- Biophysical Control of the Glioblastoma Immunosuppressive Microenvironment: Opportunities for Immunotherapy.Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Review
- Bidirectionally validatedFrontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
2 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
In this work, we show how the mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment modulate the growth of tumour spheroids. Based on the composition of the extracellular matrix, its stiffness and architecture can significantly vary, subsequently influencing cell movement and tumour growth. However, it is still unclear exactly how both of these processes are regulated by the matrix composition. Here, we present a centre-based computational model that describes how collagen density, which modulates the steric hindrance properties of the matrix, governs individual cell migration and, consequently, leads to the formation of multicellular clusters of varying size. The model was calibrated using previously published experimental data, replicating a set of experiments in which cells were seeded in collagen matrices of different collagen densities, hence producing distinct mechanical properties. At an initial stage, we tracked individual cell trajectories and speeds. Subsequently, the formation of multicellular clusters was also analysed by quantifying their size. Overall, the results showed that our model could accurately replicate what was previously seen experimentally. Specifically, we showed that cells seeded in matrices with low collagen density tended to migrate more. Accordingly, cells strayed away from their original cluster and thus promoted the formation of small structures. In contrast, we also showed that high collagen densities hindered cell migration and produced multicellular clusters with increased volume. In conclusion, this model not only establishes a relation between matrix density and individual cell migration but also showcases how migration, or its inhibition, modulates tumour growth.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.