(615f) Topography Mediated Regulation of HER-2 Expression in Breast Cancer Cells

The breast tumor microenvironment is made up of heterogenous mixture of pores, ridges and collagen fibers with well defined topographical features. Although, significant progress has been achieved toward elucidating the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that underlie breast cancer progression, quantitative characterization of the associated mechanical/topographical properties and their role in breast tumor progression remains largely incomplete. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate the effect of topography on the adhesion and biology of breast cancer cells in in vitro cultures. Breast cancer cells were cultured on different topographies designed on polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces. We demonstrate that microtopography affects the cell adhesion and distribution depending on the topography on the PDMS surfaces. Further, we report that surface topography down-regulates the HER-2 gene and protein levels in breast cancer cells when compared to the tissue culture polystyrene surfaces (TCPS) control. Results from this study indicate that topography of different patterns modulates morphology of cells, their distribution and expression of HER-2 in breast cancer cells. The observations made by this study provide rational basis for understanding the native topography of breast in order to design bio-mimetic tissue culture substrate for better understanding of the disease.