Cancer cells with trapped nuclei cut their way through the extracellular matrix

Abstract When an invading cancer cell attempts to pass through a hole in the extracellular matrix (ECM) which is too small for its nucleus, this generates physical tension. This tension is sensed by a nucleus–centrosome connection that activates trafficking of endosomal vesicles containing the matri...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Emmanuel Dornier, Jim C. Norman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Publishing Group 2018-09-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-06351-6
Description
Summary:Abstract When an invading cancer cell attempts to pass through a hole in the extracellular matrix (ECM) which is too small for its nucleus, this generates physical tension. This tension is sensed by a nucleus–centrosome connection that activates trafficking of endosomal vesicles containing the matrix metalloprotease, MT1-MMP1 to the site of constraint. Recent evidence shows how focussed ECM degradation relieves the constraint and allows cancer cells to continue invading.
ISSN:2041-1723