The Mechanics of Invading Tumor Spheroids in Aligned Extra Cellular Matrix

Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer, and some associated genetic risks involve the nature of the fiber structure of the surrounding breast tissue. Solid tumors are known to remodel the alignment and mechanics of their local extracellular matrix (ECM). Tumor cells use local radially aligned fibers as highways to aid in more efficient invasion, while tangential fibers act as a barrier inhibiting invasion. During the invasion process, the tumor and invading cells strongly interact with the ECM, causing realignment of the fibers. By using spheroids embedded in type 1 collagen gels with varying alignments, we can explore how some genetic traits are better at fighting breast cancer than others. In our research, we find that both the invasion profiles and morphodynamics of the spheroids are highly dependent on the alignment of the ECM.