Study reveals how cancer cells adapt their movement across different tissue surfaces

A study from the Indian Institute of Science reveals how cancer cells adapt their movement based on their environment. Researchers found that ovarian cancer cells change their migratory patterns depending on whether they are on soft or stiff surfaces. The study focused on two types of ovarian cancer cells. On soft surfaces, both cell types moved slowly and randomly. However, on stiff surfaces, the more structured OVCAR-3 cells showed unexpected increased mobility compared to the elongated SK-OV-3 cells. The researchers also noted a unique movement pattern in OVCAR-3 cells on stiff surfaces, where their movement became less coordinated with their shape. They plan to further investigate how these cells behave in more complex environments to better understand ovarian cancer metastasis.