Cancer: the role of substrate rigidity in tumor migration

Among the characteristics defining our constituent organs are their different rigidities. Changes in these physical properties occur during tumor development. Tumors use the rigidity of their surrounding environment to facilitate their migration to neighboring tissue, which in turn facilitates tumor invasion and metastasis. Scientists at the Institut Pasteur have identified a new element enabling cells to "sense" and "respond" to substrate rigidity. This discovery paves the way for potential new therapies.

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