New Delhi: Human cells can sense much farther beyond the surfaces they directly touch, a discovery that could help scientists develop ways to slow or prevent the spread of cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis found that cancer cells can probe about 10 microns ahead of them, while normal epithelial cells — which form the skin surface and line body cavities — can detect layers up to 100 microns away.

The findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that cells use a process known as “depth mechano-sensing” to detect physical features in their surroundings beyond the immediate surface they are attached to.

The study showed that this sensing ability works partly through the cell pulling and reshaping fibrous collagen around it. By deforming collagen fibres, cells extend their reach into the surrounding extracellular matrix and detect structures in deeper layers.

The next layer sensed by a cell may include stiff structures such as tumours, soft tissues or even bone. Detecting such physical cues helps cells determine the direction in which they move.

The researchers also found that groups of epithelial cells working together can generate greater force and sense layers as far as 100 microns away.

Scientists said understanding this mechanism could open new ways to disrupt how cancer cells navigate tissues and potentially limit the spread of the disease.