The Influence of Matrix Stiffness on Extracellular Matrix Protein Expression in 3D Encapsulated Mammary Fibroblasts

摘要: A disease that transcends all races is breast cancer, the second leading cause of death among women with cancer. One factor, which participates in tumor progression, extracellular matrix (ECM), an acellular, protein-rich entity, drives several cell, processes shown to promote tumorigenesis. Specifically, abnormal expression patterns and cross-linking fibers induces a more dense tissue structure, has been reported drive cancer progression. Alterations ECM crosslinking are part due carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), activated deposit copious environment. The goal this study understand how change following culture human mammary (HMFs) mechanically tuned 3 dimensional gelatin hydrogels, setup better mimics natural Since stiffness myofibroblast phenotype, it anticipated altered deposition will accompany HMF stiff hydrogels. To alter gel, microbial transglutaminase, cross-links lysine glutamine residues matrix, be employed rheology subsequently utilized determine bulk mechanical cross-linked gels. Three gels various stiffnesses including compliant, moderate, for encapsulation HMFs. Viability assays, such as Live/Dead assay, monitor cell viability over 7-day period. assess whether unique expression, we evaluate protein using western blot proteins: tenascin-C, fibronectin, laminin collagens I, IV. In addition, immunofluorescence