Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
07:55
Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads
Published on: March 8, 2017
Mechanical stretch induces clustering of beta1-integrins and facilitates adhesion
Yvonne Knies1, August Bernd, Roland Kaufmann
1Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Experimental Dermatology
|April 25, 2006
Summary
Human epithelial cells, keratinocytes, respond to mechanical strain by utilizing beta1-integrins and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This interaction enhances cell adhesion and signal transmission.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Human epithelial cells, keratinocytes, are constantly exposed to mechanical forces.
- Cellular responses to mechanical stimuli are crucial for tissue integrity and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of beta1-integrins and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in keratinocyte response to mechanical strain.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which mechanical forces influence cell adhesion and signaling.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using HaCaT keratinocytes subjected to mechanical stretch.
- Assessment of substrate adhesion to fibronectin, collagen type IV, and laminin.
- Utilized functional blocking antibodies against beta1-integrins and EGFR inhibitors.
- Analyzed protein redistribution and activation of downstream signaling pathways (ERK1/2).
Main Results:
- Mechanical stretch significantly increased keratinocyte adhesion to fibronectin and collagen type IV.
- Beta1-integrin blocking antibodies reversed stretch-induced adhesion.
- Mechanical stretch induced redistribution of beta1-integrins and co-localization with EGFR.
- EGFR and ERK1/2 activation by stretch were dependent on functional beta1-integrins and EGFR, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Beta1-integrins and EGFR cooperate functionally in keratinocytes during mechanical stimulation.
- This cooperation impacts cell adhesion properties and supports the transmission of mechanical signals.
- Findings provide insights into the mechanotransduction mechanisms in epithelial cells.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
01:26Tension Response at Adherens Junctions
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 homology) domains...
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
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...
01:15Activation of Integrins
Integrins bind ligands and transmit information from outside the cell to inside or vice-versa through an "outside-in signaling" or "inside-out signaling."
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
01:10Integrins
Animal and protozoan cells do not have cell walls to help maintain shape and provide structural stability. Instead, these eukaryotic cells secrete a sticky mass of carbohydrates and proteins into the spaces between adjacent cells. This network of proteins and molecules is called an extracellular matrix or ECM.
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...