Figure 5

Following stimulation by TNFα, breast tumor cells acquire a mesenchymal phenotype which is accompanied by protrusive characteristics. MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells were stimulated by TNFα (1000 U/ml) for 72 hr. Thereafter, the following analyses were performed: (a) Vimentin expression, determined by specific antibodies in methanol-treated cells and analyzed by flow cytometry. The figure presents the results of a representative experiment of n = 3, all showing similar results. (b) Formation of cellular protrusions, determined by light microscopy. The figure presents the results of a representative experiment of n > 3, all showing similar results. (c) Actin polymerization, determined by phalloidin staining, analyzed by confocal microscopy. The figure presents the results of a representative experiment of n = 3, all showing similar results.