How Physical Stress Pushes Cancer Cells into Dangerous New States
How Physical Stress Pushes Cancer Cells into Dangerous New States
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A study has revealed that physical stress from a tumor’s microenvironment can push cancer cells to transform into more invasive and therapy-resistant states. The findings, published in SciTechDaily, suggest that these mechanical forces can be a major driver of cancer progression.
The research, conducted on melanoma cells in zebrafish, found that physical confinement causes cells to undergo epigenetic changes, which modify how their DNA is expressed without altering the genetic code itself. This process shifts the cells’ focus from rapid multiplication to “neuronal invasion,” making them more capable of migrating and infiltrating surrounding tissue.
A key protein, HMGB2, was identified as central to this transformation. It responds to mechanical stress by reshaping the genetic material, which in turn exposes genes linked to invasive behavior. In addition, the cells remodel their internal structure to create a protective, cage-like barrier around the nucleus, shielding their DNA from damage caused by the physical pressure.
The study’s conclusions suggest a new understanding of how tumors can progress and become resistant to treatment, particularly for therapies that only target rapidly dividing cells.
