@article {766, title = {Tumor-induced solid stress activates β-catenin signaling to drive malignant behavior in normal, tumor-adjacent cells.}, journal = {Bioessays}, volume = {37}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Dec}, pages = {1293-7}, abstract = {
Recent work by Fern{\'a}ndez-S{\'a}nchez and coworkers examining the impact of applied pressure on the malignant phenotype of murine colon tissue in vivo revealed that mechanical perturbations can drive malignant behavior in genetically normal cells. Their findings build upon an existing understanding of how the mechanical cues experienced by cells within a tissue become progressively modified as the tissue transforms. Using magnetically stimulated ultra-magnetic liposomes to mimic tumor growth -induced solid stress, Fern{\'a}ndez-S{\'a}nchez and coworkers were able to stimulate β-catenin to promote the cancerous behavior of both a normal and genetically modified colon epithelium. In this perspective, we discuss their findings in the context of what is currently known regarding the role of the mechanical landscape in cancer progression and β-catenin as a mechanotransducer. We review data that suggest that mechanically regulated activation of β-catenin fosters development of a malignant phenotype in tissue and predict that mechanical cues may contribute to tumor heterogeneity.
}, issn = {1521-1878}, doi = {10.1002/bies.201500090}, author = {Ou, Guanqing and Weaver, Valerie Marie} } @article {656, title = {The microenvironment matters.}, journal = {Mol Biol Cell}, volume = {25}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Nov 1}, pages = {3254-8}, abstract = {The physical and biochemical properties of the microenvironment regulate cell behavior and modulate tissue development and homeostasis. Likewise, the physical and interpersonal cues a trainee receives profoundly influence his or her scientific development, research perspective, and future success. My cell biology career has been greatly impacted by the flavor of the scientific environments I have trained within and the diverse research mentoring I have received. Interactions with physical and life scientists and trainees and exposure to a diverse assortment of interdisciplinary environments have and continue to shape my research vision, guide my experimental trajectory, and contribute to my scientific success and personal happiness.
}, issn = {1939-4586}, doi = {10.1091/mbc.E14-06-1080}, author = {Weaver, Valerie Marie} }