Marker quantification of HCT-116 cells in 2D culture, in 3D gut constructs, and 3D liver constructs. A: In 2D culture on tissue culture plastic, HCT116 cells express high levels of cell-cell adhesion markers such as membrane-bound ZO-1 and β-catenin, while expressing very little N-cadherin, a mesenchymal marker. B: In the primary construct site, the gut, HCT116 cells express low levels of ZO-1 and β-catenin, while expressing high levels of MMP9, N-cadherin, and PCNA. C: Similarly, in the metastases sites in the liver, HCT116 cells also express low levels of ZO-1, β-catenin, and vinculin, while expressing high levels of N-cadherin and PCNA. Statistical significance: *P < 0.01 between corresponding markers in 2D versus gut constructs; #P < 0.01 between corresponding markers in 2D versus liver constructs.