Biomechanical profile of cancer stem-like/tumor-initiating cells derived from a progressive ovarian cancer model

• Published in: Nanomedicine 2014-07, Vol.10 (5), p.e1013-e1019
• Main Authors: Babahosseini, Hesam, MSc, Ketene, Alperen N., MSc, Schmelz, Eva M., PhD, Roberts, Paul C., PhD, Agah, Masoud, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Atomic force microscope; Cancer chemotherapy; Cancer stem-like/tumor-initiating cells; Cell biomechanics; Cell Differentiation - physiology; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic - metabolism; Cellular differentiation; Disease Progression; Female; Internal Medicine; Mice; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Neoplastic Stem Cells - cytology; Neoplastic Stem Cells - metabolism; Ovarian Neoplasms - pathology
• ISSN: 1549-9634; 1549-9642
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2013.12.009

Abstract We herein report, for the first time, the mechanical properties of ovarian cancer stem-like/tumor-initiating cells (CSC/TICs). The represented model is a spontaneously transformed murine ovarian surface epithelial (MOSE) cell line that mimics the progression of ovarian cancer from early/non-tumorigenic to late/highly aggressive cancer stages. Elastic modulus measurements via atomic force microscopy (AFM) illustrate that the enriched CSC/TICs population (0.32 ± 0.12 kPa) are 46%, 61%, and 72% softer ( P < 0.0001) than their aggressive late-stage, intermediate, and non-malignant early-stage cancer cells, respectively. Exposure to sphingosine, an anti-cancer agent, induced an increase in the elastic moduli of CSC/TICs by more than 46% (0.47 ± 0.14 kPa, P < 0.0001). Altogether, our data demonstrate that the elastic modulus profile of CSC/TICs is unique and responsive to anti-cancer treatment strategies that impact the cytoskeleton architecture of cells. These findings increase the chance for obtaining distinctive cell biomechanical profiles with the intent of providing a means for effective cancer detection and treatment control. From the Clinical Editor This novel study utilized atomic force microscopy to demonstrate that the elastic modulus profile of cancer stem cell-like tumor initiating cells is unique and responsive to anti-cancer treatment strategies that impact the cytoskeleton of these cells. These findings pave the way to the development of unique means for effective cancer detection and treatment control.