Single Cell Genomechanics: Correlating Cancer Cell Mechanics and Gene Expression
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ABSTRACT: While cell mechanics and metastatic potential are related, the molecular factors that drive these behaviors remain unknown. Understanding how molecular signaling networks modulate cellular phenotype and mechanotype can help elucidate how metastasis occurs. Therefore, we developed a workflow to measure mechanical properties and gene expression on the single cell level. The process combines atomic force microscopy and optical microscopy to measure the mechanics and morphology of individual ovarian cancer cells, followed by multiplexed RT-qPCR gene expression analysis. Surprisingly, the genes that most strongly correlated with mechanical properties were not cytoskeletal, but rather were markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stemness. A dimensionality reduction analysis showed that cells of different metastatic potential were best identified through combining mechanical and gene expression data. Finally, a network analysis revealed master regulators that can predictably stiffen and soften cells while modulating cell migration. The single cell genomechanics methods demonstrate how molecular drivers can disable biophysical processes underpinning metastasis.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE154031 | GEO | 2021/06/01
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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