A new study has shown that mechanical pressure in the tumor microenvironment can increase the aggressiveness of cancer cells. Under the influence of external stress, epigenetic mechanisms are activated that change the behavior of cells, making them resistant to therapy and capable of invasive growth.
According to the researchers, cancer cells are extremely adaptive and can quickly switch between different states depending on environmental signals. Under mechanical stress, the HMGB2 protein is activated, changing the chromatin structure and opening up areas of the genome responsible for invasive behavior. As a result, the cell leaves the division phase and begins to infiltrate tissues.
In addition, the cells protect themselves by rebuilding the cytoskeleton and forming the LINC complex – a “molecular bridge” between the cytoskeleton and the nuclear membrane, which reduces the risk of DNA damage. Scientists emphasize that physical pressure is not just a side factor in tumor growth, but one of the key drivers of epigenetic changes. Understanding this process can help in developing new therapies that can prevent or even reverse the transformation of cells into a more aggressive state.
