Current status and perspectives in atomic force microscopy-based identification of cellular transformation

Abstract

Understanding the complex interplay between cells and their biomechanics and how the interplay is influenced by the extracellular microenvironment, as well as how the transforming potential of a tissue from a benign to a cancerous one is related to the dynamics of both the cell and its surroundings, holds promise for the development of targeted translational therapies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of atomic force microscopy-based technology and its applications for identification of cellular progression to a cancerous phenotype. The review also offers insights into the advancements that are required for the next user-controlled tool to allow for the identification of early cell transformation and thus potentially lead to improved therapeutic outcomes.

Keywords:

• atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• nanoindentation
• malignant transformation
• cancerous phenotype
• bio-nano-mechanical signature

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by National Science Foundation (NSF) grants 1300757 and 1434503.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.