Reciprocal Intra- and Extra-Cellular Polarity Enables Deep Mechanosensing through Layered Matrices

Using layered collagen-polyacrylamide gel systems, scientists unveiled a migration phenotype driven by cell-matrix polarity. Here, cancer (but not normal) cells with stiff base matrix generate stable protrusions, faster migration, and greater collagen deformation because of “depth mechanosensing” through the top collagen layer.