EpCAM-dependent membrane mechanics regulate nuclear deformation and promote gastric cancer metastasis.

EpCAM overexpression in gastric cancer cells is linked to reduced plasma membrane tension, increased traction forces, and nuclear deformation, promoting metastasis.

• Why it matters: Diffuse gastric cancer is highly metastatic and lacks effective therapeutic targets, making understanding its mechanisms crucial for developing new treatments.
• What they did: The study used membrane proteomics, biophysical measurements, and in vivo metastasis assays to investigate EpCAM's role, revealing its influence on membrane-cytoskeletal mechanics and nuclear deformation.
• The result: Knocking out EpCAM or blocking it with antibodies decreased tumor invasion and lymph node spread, suggesting EpCAM-dependent mechanical regulation as a potential therapeutic vulnerability.