Théo Branchu

Cancer cells have particular characteristics that make them dangerous or even lethal. Invasion is an important parameter in the aggressiveness of cancer cells. Glioblastoma, a highly invasive type of brain cancer, represents an ideal model for studying invasion mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment.  Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a communicating junction protein essential for intercellular communication, but its alteration in cancer cells is associated with increased cell proliferation and greater invasive capacity. To study invasion, the mechanical characteristics of glioblastoma cells will be determined using Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM). Thus, the physical study of several glioblastoma cell lines with different Cx43 expressions will provide a better understanding of the role of this protein in tumor invasion. The ultimate aim of this collaborative project between the Pprime, CoMeT and PRéTI laboratories is to create a computer model simulating tumor invasion.