Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Papers in Scientific Journals

Influence of hyaluronan density on the behavior of breast cancer cells with different CD44 expression

Abstract

Molecular gradients are common in biosystems and play an essential role in physiological and pathological processes. During carcinogenesis, for example, hyaluronan (HA) homeostasis is dysregulated by cancer cells and the altered synthesis and degradation processes result in the formation of HA gradients within the tumor microenvironment. Herein, a platform is developed to study the biological role of HA gradient in breast cancer cells. Cells with different aggressiveness and expression of CD44—the main HA receptor usually overexpressed in breast cancers, are selected for this study. The developed platform is compatible with several imaging modalities and allows assessment of cell density, morphology, CD44 expression, and cell motility in a function of HA density. Using high-throughput analysis, it is shown that cells that do not express CD44 do not change along the gradient, while CD44 positive cells respond differently to the HA gradient depending on the level of CD44 expression and HA density. This different response is associated with the activation of different signaling pathways by the CD44–HA interactions.

Journal
Advanced Healthcare Materials
Volume
11
Issue
4
Pagination
2101309
Publisher
Wiley-VCH GmbH, Weinheim
ISSN
2192-2659
URL
https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202101309
Keywords
biomolecules gradients, breast cancer, CD44, High-throughput platform, Hyaluronic acid
Rights
Restricted Access (1 Year)
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Status
published
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