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Phenotypic Switch Induced by Simulated Microgravity on MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Joint Authors
D’Anselmi, Fabrizio
Coluccia, Pierpaolo
Pasqualato, Alessia
Palombo, Alessandro
Morini, Veronica
Cucina, Alessandra
Proietti, Sara
Masiello, Maria Grazia
Dinicola, Simona
Bizzarri, Mariano
Source
Issue
Vol. 2014, Issue 2014 (31 Dec. 2014), pp.1-12, 12 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2014-08-18
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
12
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Microgravity exerts dramatic effects on cell morphology and functions, by disrupting cytoskeleton and adhesion structures, as well as by interfering with biochemical pathways and gene expression.
Impairment of cells behavior has both practical and theoretical significance, given that investigations of mechanisms involved in microgravity-mediated effects may shed light on how biophysical constraints cooperate in shaping complex living systems.
By exposing breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells to simulated microgravity (~0.001 g), we observed the emergence of two morphological phenotypes, characterized by distinct membrane fractal values, surface area, and roundness.
Moreover, the two phenotypes display different aggregation profiles and adherent behavior on the substrate.
These morphological differences are mirrored by the concomitant dramatic functional changes in cell processes (proliferation and apoptosis) and signaling pathways (ERK, AKT, and Survivin).
Furthermore, cytoskeleton undergoes a dramatic reorganization, eventually leading to a very different configuration between the two populations.
These findings could be considered adaptive and reversible features, given that, by culturing microgravity-exposed cells into a normal gravity field, cells are enabled to recover their original phenotype.
Overall these data outline the fundamental role gravity plays in shaping form and function in living systems.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Masiello, Maria Grazia& Cucina, Alessandra& Proietti, Sara& Palombo, Alessandro& Coluccia, Pierpaolo& D’Anselmi, Fabrizio…[et al.]. 2014. Phenotypic Switch Induced by Simulated Microgravity on MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. BioMed Research International،Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-488429
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Masiello, Maria Grazia…[et al.]. Phenotypic Switch Induced by Simulated Microgravity on MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. BioMed Research International No. 2014 (2014), pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-488429
American Medical Association (AMA)
Masiello, Maria Grazia& Cucina, Alessandra& Proietti, Sara& Palombo, Alessandro& Coluccia, Pierpaolo& D’Anselmi, Fabrizio…[et al.]. Phenotypic Switch Induced by Simulated Microgravity on MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. BioMed Research International. 2014. Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-488429
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-488429