Matrigel and collagen I impact hepatocellular carcinoma cell behavior: a confluency-dependent study

Purpose: The tumor microenvironment significantly influences hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) being a key driver of metastasis. This study explores the distinct roles of matrigel and type I collagen, two prominent ECM components, in modulating HepG2 liver cancer cell behavior. Materials and Methods: HepG2 cells were cultured in type I collagen and Matrigel culture media, and the expression of YAP1, Na-K ATPase, and E-cadherin were investigated using a confocal microscope. We examine their impact on proliferation and the expression of, considering the influence of cell adherent. Results: HepG2 cells showed the highest proliferation at post-confluent culture time in type 1 collagen medium. YAP1 expression was high in type 1 collagen medium at both culture times (and when they reached adherent, YAP1 localization was from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Na-K ATPase expression was high in control cells non-adherent, while it increased in Matrigel adherent. Ecadherin showed a statistically significant decrease in type 1 collagen medium compared to control and its expression was found to be high in Matrigel cultured cells adherent. Conclusion: These findings highlight the differential effects of extracellular matrix components on HCC cell proliferation and EMT-related protein expression, suggesting potential therapeutic targets within the tumor microenvironment.