
Traction force with extracellular matrix mediated by cytoskeleton influences metastasis through SLC8A1 induced Wnt-β-catenin pathway in endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most prominent malignancies in gynecology. Unfortunately, despite these advancements in understanding EC pathogenesis, mortality rates have not decreased. Traction force (TF) refers to endogenous mechanical forces exerted by cells.1 These forces act on the extracellular matrix and the extracellular tumor microenvironment through focal adhesions, thereby regulating cell proliferation and migration. However, the TF characteristics of endometrial cancer cells and their heterogeneity remain unclear. SLC8A1, which encodes the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis through calcium flux induced by cannabidiol and TRPV4 activation during mitophagy initiation. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying SLC8A1 and its associated mechanical forces in EC remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the mechanical characteristics of different cell lines and primary EC cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore mechanical forces and identify a novel therapeutic target for EC.