Overview

• Researchers identify two distinct contractility modes in cancer cells: one that maintains cluster integrity and another that facilitates invasion.
• The balance between cellular forces on each other and the extracellular matrix dictates the likelihood of cancer cell detachment and spread.
• Findings suggest that changes in actin cytoskeleton structure underpin differences in invasive potential among cancer cells.
• Patient-derived tumor explants show a decrease in cohesive cellular forces during tumor progression, hinting at increased metastasis risk.
• Study highlights the complex interplay of cellular mechanics as a potential target for therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment.