Cancer cells may respond to mechanical force

Researchers have now tried to understand more about cancer cells by trying to use a new method of seeing if they can respond to mechanical manipulation. two studies from researchers working at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center are researching this as we speak. Keith Burridge, PhD, Kenan Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology in the UNC School of Medicine, and Richard Superfine, PhD, Taylor-Williams Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences, using the new cancer equipment funded by the university, identified cellular pathways of movement, stiffen and reaction to physical stresses. This knowledge, researchers hope, will help reveal what causes cancer and better treatments. While reading works from Elizabeth Lessey-Morillion, graduate author of Journal of Immunology paper, used magnetic beads attached to the endothelial cells that line blood vessels, applying force to the cells caused them to stiffen, opening gaps between cells that white blood cells could enter. while doing this, the stiffening slowed in response. They also believe that it could work with tumor cells. Researchers have now tried to understand more about cancer cells by trying to use a new method of seeing if they can respond to mechanical manipulation. two studies from researchers working at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center are researching this as we speak. I believe this research is a great move to understand cancer development in the human body. hopefully with more test, we can come closer to developing a better treatment for long term cancer people. 

Original article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140409094332.htm
Secondary article: http://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/research/labs/beckerle/research/cell-adhesion.php