Modulation of Cell Structure and Function in Response to Substrate Stiffness and External Forces

Abstract

The mechanical balance maintained between the cell and its environment forms the basis of tissue formation, cohesion and homeostasis. Cells are able to sense the mechanical characteristics of the extracellular medium and to modulate their function accordingly. Furthermore, cells are able to modulate the mechanical properties of their environment in response to intracellular signals. In this article we review recent papers describing the regulators and signaling pathways involved in these processes. We describe how the adhesion sites of the cell to the Extra Cellular Matrix are of primary importance in sensing force and how the actin network via actomyosin contractility and the associated Rho-family dependent regulatory paths also play a key role in mechanotransduction. We then focus on the different types of cellular responses to forces: modulation of adhesion, shape, migration properties, proliferation rate or regulation of differentiation. Cellular response can also be communicated to neighboring cells and be integrated to modulate processes such as development and can lead to diseases if misregulated.

Keywords:

• SUBSTRATE STIFFNESS
• MECHANOSENSING
• MECHANOTRANSDUCTION
• RHO GTPASES
• FOCAL ADHESIONS