New publication: Uncovering pre-cytokinetic block in cancer cells under shear stress using a disturbed flow-generating device

The teams of Dr. Víteček have published a new paper.

During metastasis, cancer cells face various mechanical forces in the bloodstream. A new study introduces an innovative device that simulates blood flow conditions, allowing researchers to investigate the effects of shear stress on cells. The research uncovered a previously unknown mitotic block that may act as a protective mechanism against cancer cell proliferation in circulation. This technology opens new avenues for studying circulating tumor cells and metastasis.

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Design of the shear stress generator. (a) Schematic representation of the shear stress generator involving the stepper motor, two clips holding the standardized 150 cm2 cell cultivation flasks, and stepper motor controller. The flask’s axis aligns with the stepper motor’s axis; hence, the bottom of the flask is located 21.5 mm below the rotation axis. (b) Photograph of the actual device used for the study (c) Placement of the device inside a standard CO2 cell culture incubator.
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The medium flow effect on elongation of the MS1 murine endothelium cells: Cells were subjected to standard cultivation conditions, fluid shear stress induced by the shear stress generator at standard setup (mean value 0.9 Pa), and compared to fluid shear stress induced by commercial fluidics system by IBIDI (1 Pa) for 5 days. (a) images depicting the alignment and elongation of cells. (b) The quantitative comparison of the elongation indexes (ratio of the major to the minor axis of an ellipse circumscribed to cells).