Restoring elastic properties of breast cancer cells by EGFR targeting: atomic force microscopy measurement

Loss of mechanical properties and decrease of Young's Modulus is a common characteristic of many cancerous cells. Since the cell mechanical properties is related to migration and motility, alteration in cell stiffness can lead to cancer progression. Thus, restoring cell mechanical properties of tumor cells may contribute to controlling cancer cell progression. In this study, we used Lapatinib, a small molecule for inhibiting EGFR over-activity in cancer cells, to treat SKBR3 breast cancer cells. The cancer cell elasticity was evaluated before and after treatment using atomic force microscopy. Results indicated significant increase of Young's Modulus in treated cells. Cytoskeleton analysis also showed an increase in actin cytoskeleton in Lapatinib-treated cells. Our data suggest that restoring cell mechanical properties of cancer cells through change in Young's Modulus and actin cytoskeleton, have potential to control cancer development.