Multiscale analysis of cancer cell mechanics

Physiological phenomena occur in complex 3D environments. However, the mechanics of cells in 3D under relevant conditions such as flow and chemical signals are not well understood. These mechanics can have important implications in pathological events such as cancer metastasis, where cancer cells undergo transformations that enable invasive behavior across constrictive physiological barriers. In our work, we have taken an integrated computational and experimental approach to establish a multiscale understanding of the fundamental mechanical properties of cancer cells in native-like conditions.