Viscous Fluid Gives Glioblastoma Cells Lasting Invasive Memory

Researchers at Chongqing General Hospital and Chongqing University found that glioblastoma cells retain a mechanical memory of their environment: a month in fluid with 7.1 cP viscosity made them smaller, more deformable and faster through narrow gaps. U-251 cells upregulated invasion genes CD44, FN1 and MMP9, while YAP accumulated in the nucleus.

• Cells spent a month in 7.1 cP fluid, matching the tumor's invasive edge
• Adapted cells shrank and moved faster through confined spaces
• U-251 upregulated CD44, FN1 and MMP9; LN-229 responded differently
• Changes persisted after cells returned to normal viscosity