
Advanced Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: Feb. 17, 2025
Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are pivotal biomarkers in metastasis, however, the underlying molecular mechanism of CTCs behavioral heterogeneity during metastasis remains unexplored. Here, an integrative workflow is developed to link behavior characteristics metabolic profiling within individual CTCs, which simulates metastatic process on a microfluidic system and combined with single‐cell mass spectrometry (MS) detection. Spheroid‐derived HCT116 tracked extracted via temporary vascular system, revealing various arrest patterns under biomimetic shear flow. Downstream MS analysis characterizes 17 cellular metabolites associates profiles de‐adhesion behaviors same identifying potential high‐metastatic subpopulation enhanced ability evaluating critical involved pathways. Additionally, metastasis‐inhibiting effect anti‐tumor drug 5‐fluorouracil by reducing spheroids elucidated. This approach offers valuable opportunity dissect interplay foster insights into mechanisms phenotypes process.
Language: Английский