Data underlying the manuscript: Invasive cancer cells soften collagen networks and disrupt stress stiffening via volume exclusion, contractility and adhesion

The research investigates how local cell–ECM interactions regulate the global mechanics of collagen networks in a biomimetic tissue model composed of type I fibrillar collagen with embedded cancer cells (volume fractions: 0.4%–20%). Experiments compare the behavior of human dermal fibroblasts and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, which are known to actively remodel collagen networks. Collagen polymerization and network mechanics were characterized using bulk shear rheology. A custom-built rheo-confocal microscope was used to visualize real-time local remodeling of collagen during polymerization. All raw data, processed results, and MATLAB/python scripts for data analysis and figure generation are included.