The structure of invadopodia in a complex 3D environment

Podosomes in space

“…133 It is also an intriguing speculation that podosomes and invadopodia, which present as similar but distinct structures in 2D systems, 39 might show convergence in their morphology and properties in cells that are present in a 3D context. The more invadopodia-like morphology and localization of podosomes in 3D, as well as the relevance of 3D podosomes and invadopodia for 3D infiltration of cells, 16,56,134,135 should provide a sufficient basis to stimulate respective research.…”

Invadopodia and basement membrane invasion in vivo

“…105 This environment appears to trigger the formation of invadopodia-like structures that promote removal of interstitial matrix at points of cell restriction. 38,[106][107][108] Thus, invadopodia dynamics are likely rapidly tuned to the matrix environment encountered by invasive cells.…”

Diverse Roles for the Paxillin Family of Proteins in Cancer

“…Analysis of invasive tumor cells in vitro and in vivo has revealed the presence of ECMdegrading protrusions, termed invadopodia. [80][81][82] These structures aid in the process of invasion by focally disrupting the dense meshwork of ECM barriers through localized activity of membranebound and soluble matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to promote tumor cell dissemination. 83,84 Invadopodia comprise an actin core that contains actin-binding and nucleating proteins as well as a surrounding ring of scaffold and adhesion proteins, including paxillin and Hic-5 (Fig.…”