Ker-ct-ras Migration in a 3D Cell Culture

Abstract

Background: The normal architecture of skin is determined by the proliferation and stratification of keratinocytes and the maintenance of the basement membrane. Keratinocytes are the primary skin epidermal cells that are affected by squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Ras activation is a major pathway that is likely to be involved in cellular changes that produce skin carcinoma. These proteins are essential to cancer progression because of their effect on proliferation and expression of collagen degrading enzymes. Methods: To better understand the migratory nature of pre-cancerous keratinocytes out of a 3D skin equivalent we used a nested matrix model. The migratory nature of the cells was observed through time-lapse photography. Other methods included cell culture and collagen lattices. Results: Preliminary data from our lab demonstrates a finger- like migration of Ker-CT-Ras cells out of the nested matrix, suggesting chemotaxis or grouped cell migration. Migration assays out of a nested matrix are currently ongoing. Conclusion: We hope to gain a better understanding of the migration of precancerous keratinocytes, out of a 3D model. This will help us better understand epithelial organization when affected by oncogenic changes. Ultimately, this data will contribute to understanding the mechanisms of epithelial cells, their migration, and pathogenesis of metastases