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Mapping cellular-scale internal mechanics in 3D tissues with thermally responsive hydrogel probes

Author

Listed:
  • Stephanie Mok

    (McGill University)

  • Sara Al Habyan

    (McGill University)

  • Charles Ledoux

    (McGill University)

  • Wontae Lee

    (McGill University)

  • Katherine N. MacDonald

    (McGill University)

  • Luke McCaffrey

    (McGill University)

  • Christopher Moraes

    (McGill University
    McGill University
    McGill University)

Abstract

Local tissue mechanics play a critical role in cell function, but measuring these properties at cellular length scales in living 3D tissues can present considerable challenges. Here we present thermoresponsive, smart material microgels that can be dispersed or injected into tissues and optically assayed to measure residual tissue elasticity after creep over several weeks. We first develop and characterize the sensors, and demonstrate that internal mechanical profiles of live multicellular spheroids can be mapped at high resolutions to reveal broad ranges of rigidity within the tissues, which vary with subtle differences in spheroid aggregation method. We then show that small sites of unexpectedly high rigidity develop in invasive breast cancer spheroids, and in an in vivo mouse model of breast cancer progression. These focal sites of increased intratumoral rigidity suggest new possibilities for how early mechanical cues that drive cancer cells towards invasion might arise within the evolving tumor microenvironment.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephanie Mok & Sara Al Habyan & Charles Ledoux & Wontae Lee & Katherine N. MacDonald & Luke McCaffrey & Christopher Moraes, 2020. "Mapping cellular-scale internal mechanics in 3D tissues with thermally responsive hydrogel probes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-18469-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18469-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen Xin & Zhongguo Ren & Leran Zhang & Liang Yang & Dawei Wang & Yanlei Hu & Jiawen Li & Jiaru Chu & Li Zhang & Dong Wu, 2023. "Light-triggered multi-joint microactuator fabricated by two-in-one femtosecond laser writing," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.

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