Authors:

Eliza Louise Thurs

Date Created:

Not specified

Course Title:

Professor:

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About Paper:

The lung is one of the most common sites of metastatic spread across cancer types. Human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) play a pivotal role in metastatic disease progression by remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) to create a more favorable environment for cancer cell colonization. Although HLFs are known to aid metastasis, limited research has explored how cyclical mechanical strain from respiration affects their viability and ECM production, two factors that are closely tied to cancer progression and detection. This study uses fibronectin to simulate the in vivo metastatic lung microenvironment and enable a more physiologically relevant analysis of cellular response to mechanical strain. The goal is to assess how cyclical loading affects HLF viability and ECM output over time. HLFs were cultured and adhered to fibronectin-coated bands mounted on magnetic actuators capable of controlled deflection. At days 1, 3, and 6, subsets of cells were stained using a live/dead assay and imaged with BioTek and confocal microscopy where live cells fluoresced green and dead cells fluoresced red. Following imaging, each actuator is placed on a platform that continuously stretches the band until failure. Band deflection is measured using a high-precision laser to infer ECM production through mechanical resistance. Image analysis will quantify cell viability at each time point. Deflection data will indicate changes in ECM output due to cyclical loading. Together, these results will help characterize the mechanical sensitivity of HLFs and offer insights into how respiration dynamics may influence cancer cell colonization in the lung. Keywords: [no keywords provided]

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Eliza Louise Thurs