Video Poster Presentation: Matrix mechanics modulate breast cancer plasticity
Presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Meeting 2026
Video presentation by Matthieu Spriet PhD, Inventia Life Science
Chantal Kopecky1, Morgan Hamon2+, Elvis Pandzic3, Sean Porazinski2, Justin Gooding1 and Kristopher A. Kilian1,4*
1. School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, Faculty of Science, UNSW Sydney, Australia
2. Inventia Life Science, Sydney, Australia. + Presenting author.
3. Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Australia
4. School of Material Science & Engineering, Faculty of Science, UNSW Sydney, Australia
* Corresponding author: k.kilian@unsw.edu.au
The extracellular matrix does more than provide structural support. Its mechanical properties can influence cancer cell phenotype, plasticity, and response to therapy.
In this AACR 2026 video poster presentation, see how RASTRUM Allegro was used to generate HCC38 triple-negative breast cancer models in defined soft and stiff matrices, enabling controlled investigation of how matrix mechanics shape tumor cell behavior and therapeutic response.
Both matrix conditions supported 3D growth, but produced distinct phenotypic states. Soft matrices enriched markers associated with stem-like states and drug efflux and were associated with greater doxorubicin resistance. Stiff matrices promoted higher CD44v9 expression and proliferative activity, alongside greater sensitivity to doxorubicin and more pronounced disruption of tumor cell clusters following treatment.
The presentation covers:
- Generation of HCC38 breast cancer models in defined soft and stiff 3D matrices
- Effects of matrix stiffness on tumor cell growth and organization
- Changes in stemness, plasticity, drug-efflux, and proliferation markers
- Differences in doxorubicin response across matrix conditions
- Matrix-dependent changes in tumor cell cluster organization following treatment
- How tunable matrix mechanics can support controlled investigation of cancer plasticity and therapeutic response
Poster
Prefer to review the workflow, figures, and results in detail?
Download the AACR 2026 poster to explore how defined matrix stiffness was used to investigate breast cancer plasticity, phenotypic state, and response to doxorubicin in RASTRUM 3D models.