Instant fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy reveals mechano-metabolic reprogramming of stromal cells in breast cancer peritumor microenvironment

However, how tumor compressive forces (i.e., solid stresses) influence it remains unclear. Using instant fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), we show that in vitro compression metabolically reprograms stromal cells found in the breast pTME.

Namely, compression shifts fibroblasts and differentiated adipocytes toward a more glycolytic state, but promotes increased oxidative phosphorylation in undifferentiated adipocytes. Through RNA-sequencing, we confirmed that compression downregulates oxidative phosphorylation and upregulates glycolysis in fibroblasts. By elucidating tumor-host mechano-metabolic interactions, these results will inform the development of innovative treatment strategies to improve survival.