Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a multi-step process that involves cytoskeletal rearrangement. Here, using novel image quantification tools, we have identified an intermediate EMT state with a specific cytoskeletal signature. We have been able to partition EMT into two steps: (1) initial formation of transverse arcs and dorsal stress fibers and (2) their subsequent conversion to ventral stress fibers with a concurrent alignment of fibers. Using the Orientational Order Parameter (OOP) as a figure of merit, we have been able to track EMT progression in live cells as well as characterize and quantify drug responses. Our technique has improved throughput and is non-destructive, making it a viable candidate for studying a broad range of biological processes. Further, owing to the increased stiffness (and hence invasiveness) of the intermediate phenotype compared to mesenchymal cells, our work can be instrumental in aiding the search for new treatment strategies that combat metastasis by specifically targeting the fiber alignment process.

中文翻译：

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图像量化技术揭示了具有部分 EMT 特征的新型肺癌细胞骨架表型

上皮间质转化 (EMT) 是一个涉及细胞骨架重排的多步骤过程。在这里，使用新的图像量化工具，我们确定了具有特定细胞骨架特征的中间 EMT 状态。我们已经能够将 EMT 划分为两个步骤：（1）横向弧和背侧应力纤维的初始形成，以及（2）它们随后转换为腹侧应力纤维，同时排列纤维。使用定向顺序参数 (OOP) 作为品质因数，我们已经能够跟踪活细胞中的 EMT 进展以及表征和量化药物反应。我们的技术提高了吞吐量并且是非破坏性的，使其成为研究广泛生物过程的可行候选者。更多，