Melanoma cells undergo aggressive coalescence in a 3D Matrigel model that is repressed by anti-CD44
Fig 7
Differential interference (DIC) microscopy images over time of representative bridges formed by facilitator cells to move small aggregates into large aggregates in the process of coalescence.
The time series of optical sections in each of the three examples was taken at one depth over time for comparison. A. In each example, a single or multiple faciltator (f) cells connect a small (sa) to a large aggregate (la), and through contraction of multicellular cable moves the small into the large aggregate, mediating coalescence. B. A single facilitator (f) cell connects a small (sa) and large (la) aggregate. Additional cells extend out of the small aggregate, join the facilitator cell, forming a cable that contracts, moving the small to large aggregate. C. Multiple facilitator cells form and cable end to end. Additional cells join the cable, then contract, bringing the small into the large aggregate. The large aggregates are not in view in panels B and C.