Fig. 7
From: Extracellular matrix stiffness mediates radiosensitivity in a 3D nasopharyngeal carcinoma model
Radiation resistance decreased as the stiffness of On-Surface 3D matrix decreased A Effect of different surface stiffness of hydrogel on the morphology of CNE-1 cells on 1st, 3rd day (scale bar 100 μm). The lower concentration of sodium alginate, the more adherence, extension, connectivity of cells represented. B The formation of colonies after irradiated with 0 and 6 Gy X-rays cultured on different matrix stiffness (scale bar 100 μm). C Stiffnesses of hydrogel On-Surface 3D culture system consisting of permanent concentration of collagen and different concentrations sodium alginate. With the concentration of sodium alginate decreasing, shear stiffness declined. D The proliferation of CNE-1 cells on different stiffness substrates reflected by planting efficiency of colony formation assay. As the proportion of sodium alginate decreased (i.e., the stiffness decreased), the planting efficiency gradually descend. E The surviving fraction (6 Gy, n = 3, *P < 0.05) increased with the matrix stiffness declining. F Diameter of colonies increased with the matrix stiffness declining (*P < 0.05)