Melanoma cells adopt features of both mesenchymal and amoeboid migration within confining channels

For metastasis to occur, cancer cells must traverse a range of tissue environments. In part, this is accomplished by cells adjusting their migration mode to one that is best suited to the environment. Melanoma cells have been shown to be particularly plastic, frequently using both mesenchymal and amoeboid (bleb-based) modes of migration. It has been demonstrated that 2D confinement will promote the transition from mesenchymal to bleb-based migration. However, if melanoma cells similarly transition to bleb-based migration in response to 3D confinement, such as within narrow channels, is unknown. Here, using micro-fabricated channels, we demonstrate that melanoma cells adopt features of both mesenchymal and bleb-based migration. In narrow (8 μm; height and width) channels coated with fibronectin, ~50% of melanoma cells were found to use either mesenchymal or bleb-based migration modes. In contrast, the inhibition of Src family kinases or coating channels with BSA, completely eliminated any features of mesenchymal migration. Detailed comparisons of migration parameters revealed that blebbing cells, particularly in the absence of adhesions, were faster than mesenchymal cells. In contrast to what has been previously shown under conditions of 2D confinement, pharmacologically inhibiting Arp2/3 promoted a fast filopodial-based mode of migration. Accordingly, we report that melanoma cells adopt a unique range of phenotypes under conditions of 3D confinement.