Abstract
Mechanical forces are known to play important roles in determining cellular functions and behaviours such as growth, migration, wound healing and tissue regeneration, to name a few. It is quite intriguing how cells sense the mechanical forces and properties of the surrounding matrix in which the cells float or rest. The cells are known to build numerous ‘adhesion contacts’ at the cell-matrix interface to probe the surroundings. These adhesion contacts, known as ‘focal adhesions’ are highly dynamic and strongly force sensitive. In this article, we discuss about the focal adhesions which act as mechanosensors and, in turn, regulate cellular activity.
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Rumi De is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, India. Her research interest lies in the field of biological physics, soft matter, and nonlinear dynamics. Her current research focuses on cell mechanics, stick-slip dynamics, pattern formations, flocking and collective motions in living systems.
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De, R. Cell Mechanosensing. Reson 24, 289–296 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-019-0780-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-019-0780-x