Figure 5.

Two spheroids with different phenotypes. The spheroid represented in yellow is formed by cells with a more epithelial phenotype, hence with higher levels of E-cadherin expression. Therefore, the cells have a more regular shape and, despite there is cell-cell contact in fewer points, their connections may be stronger. Spheroids with these characteristics seem to have increased resistance to chemotherapy and longer survival. The spheroid represented in green has higher levels of N-cadherin expression. Its cells have irregular shapes and cell-cell contact is established in multiple points, due to a more mesenchymal phenotype. Spheroids with these characteristics seem to have a greater advantage in peritoneal anchorage.