Hypoxia-induced metabolic and cytoskeletal changes in cancer cells revealed by chemical imaging

Cancer cells in a solid tumor survive in a hypoxic microenvironment, which alters their lipid metabolism and cytoskeleton dynamics. Using chemical imaging technologies, including coherent Raman scattering microscopy and fluorescence microscopy, we discovered lipid droplet accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum and altered lipid content induced by hypoxia. Furthermore, we observed the growth of microtubule-rich protrusions in HeLa cells after 24 hours of hypoxia exposure. The formation of these protrusions and enhanced microtubule polymerization dynamics are related to local mitochondrial activities within the protrusions. These protrusions, formed under hypoxic conditions, assist in cell migration. This study reveals important hypoxia-induced metabolic and cytoskeletal changes that could aid in designing better treatment strategies targeting hypoxia-resistant cancer cells.