Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
08:50
The Mechanics of Poro-Elastic Contractile Actomyosin Networks As a Model System of the Cell Cytoskeleton
Published on: March 10, 2023
1.1K
Tensegrity I. Cell structure and hierarchical systems biology
1Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Enders 1007, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. donald.ingber@tch.harvard.edu
Journal of Cell Science
|March 5, 2003
Summary
Cellular tensegrity, a mechanical model, explains cell structure and mechanics. Recent evidence supports its role in biological networks and mechanoregulation, bridging molecular and organismal levels.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Systems Biology
Background:
- A 1993 commentary introduced the cellular tensegrity model for cell mechanics.
- Advances in cell structure, biological networks, and mechanoregulation warrant revisiting this model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting cellular tensegrity.
- To explore its role in hierarchical organization from molecules to organisms.
- To connect mechanics and biochemistry at the molecular level.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of mathematical formulations of the tensegrity model.
- Examination of experimental evidence for cellular tensegrity.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence supports the use of tensegrity in cells.
- Mathematical models predict various cellular behaviors.
- Tensegrity provides a structural basis for hierarchical organization.
Conclusions:
- Cellular tensegrity is a fundamental principle in cell mechanics.
- The model helps explain cell shape, movement, and force response.
- It offers insights into biological complexity and molecular-level mechanics.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
3.3K
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
3.3K
01:18Polarity of the Cytoskeleton
24.1K
The intrinsic polarity of cells can be primarily attributed to two factors- i) the asymmetric accumulation of mobile components such are regulatory molecules and subcellular components across the cell and ii) the orientation of polar cytoskeletal filaments that make up the cytoskeletal networks, specifically microfilaments, and microtubules arranged along the axis of polarity. Interactions between the cytoskeletal filaments are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of the polar nature...
24.1K
01:26Tension Response at Adherens Junctions
3.4K
The adherens junctions that anchor cells together are multi-protein complexes that dynamically adapt to mechanical stimuli such as tensile forces and shear stress. Mechanosensory proteins in these junctions can sense such mechanical stimuli and undergo a shift in their conformation, resulting in an altered function — a process called mechanotransduction.
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin...
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin...
3.4K
01:12Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments
5.6K
The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
5.6K
01:32Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
2.4K
Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
2.4K
01:33Introduction to the Cytoskeleton
33.9K
Overview of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶ microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their...
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶ microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their...
33.9K