Quantifying mechanical, proliferation, and migrational properties of bulk ovarian cancer cells and ovarian cancer stem cells

There are a limited number of studies analyzing ovarian cancer stem cell properties. The goal of this study was to analyze the mechanical and migrational properties of ovarian cancer stem cells with the well-researched bulk ovarian cancer cells. Through the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM), the mechanical properties of both cell types were gathered. In preparation for AFM analysis, an optimal fixation method was developed and performed on the cells. AFM analysis provided mechanical properties for both cell types, including cellular stiffness, maximum adhesion force, surface area, and mean surface roughness. Cell proliferation and transwell migration assays were assessed to determine the aggressiveness of both cancer cell types. A clear trend between both cell types was expected for the mechanical and potential aggression properties. The data from both analyses were used to create a baseline for migration, proliferation, and mechanical properties of ovarian cancer stem cells and bulk ovarian cancer cells. Further studies will assess if these properties are impacted by chemotherapy exposure.