Effect of long-term strong confinement on gene expression of HeLa Kyoto cells

While the mesenchymal–amoeboid transition (MAT) is known to enhance migratory capacity and therapy resistance, the regulatory mechanisms governing cell state adaptation under sustained physical pressure are not fully understood. In this study, we performed RNA-seq analysis on cancer cells subjected to prolonged physical space confinement to investigate the resulting transcriptional landscape.

Our data reveal that sustained confinement serves as a potent mechanical cue that triggers a distinct migration mode conversion. Notably, we identify the necroptosis-related protein MLKL as a critical transcriptional target induced by prolonged confinement. These findings provide a novel link between mechanical stress, the MAT process, and potential alterations in cell fate.