Mechanotransduction of fluid stresses governs 3D cell migration (original) (raw)

Solid tumors face high interstitial fluid pressure, driving fluid efflux that induces a phenomenon known as rheotaxis—upstream cell migration. This study presents a microfluidic platform revealing that interstitial flow (IF) stress leads to a transcellular gradient in β1-integrin activation, particularly at the upstream cell side where matrix adhesion tension is maximal. The mechanism linking fluid stress to cell polarization involves key focal adhesion proteins like vinculin and paxillin, suggesting a novel mechanotransductive pathway that governs 3D cell migration in tumor environments, with significant implications for understanding metastasis.