AFM-based nano detection of the effects of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on hepatoma cells†

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCSCs) have garnered attention in cancer therapy due to their easy accessibility, robust proliferation and multifunctionality; however, their pro-/anti-tumorigenic effects remain debated. This study established a non-contact co-culture system between validated UCSC and hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC). The results showed that UCSCs enhanced the proliferation and migration of HepG2 and HCC-LM3 cells while reducing F-actin fluorescence intensity. Using the contact–retraction cycle principle of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe, we observed nanoscale topographical data and mechanical changes in the co-cultured cells. The results showed that UCSCs increased the height and roughness of HepG2 and HCC-LM3 cells, but decreased elastic modulus, adhesion, and aspect ratio. Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong associations between mechanical properties (adhesion, height, roughness) and functional behaviors (proliferation, migration, F-actin expression). Overall, this study demonstrated that UCSCs promote HCC growth, providing new insights into the role of stem cells in HCC.