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Related Concept Videos

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-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...
Fibronectins Connect Cells with ECM01:25

Fibronectins Connect Cells with ECM

Fibronectin is an adhesive glycoprotein present in the extracellular matrix of embryogenic and adult tissue. These molecules primarily aid in regulating cell motility and attachment. A fibronectin molecule is composed of two identical polypeptide chains attached to each other by a pair of disulfide bonds at the C-terminal.
Both proteoglycans and collagen are attached to fibronectin proteins, which, in turn, are attached to integrin proteins. These integrin proteins interact with transmembrane...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular 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...
Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

Overview 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...
Mechanism of Filopodia Formation01:39

Mechanism of Filopodia Formation

Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments01:11

Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments

The polymerization of G-actin monomers into filamentous F-actin is a multi-step process. Once the F-actins are formed, they can bundle together in different arrangements to form higher-order networks and regulate cellular functions. Common examples include the formation of lamellipodia and filopodia at the cell's leading edge by actin reorganization in a migrating cell. The microvilli on the brush border epithelial cells are also formed through the F-actin network.
The high-order actin networks...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

ECM Protein Nanofibers and Nanostructures Engineered Using Surface-initiated Assembly
16:33

ECM Protein Nanofibers and Nanostructures Engineered Using Surface-initiated Assembly

Published on: April 17, 2014

Cell traction forces direct fibronectin matrix assembly.

Christopher A Lemmon1, Christopher S Chen, Lewis H Romer

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Biophysical Journal
|January 27, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cell traction forces guide extracellular matrix assembly. Dynamic force and strain changes are crucial for successful tissue development and engineering, influencing fibronectin fibril growth and orientation.

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Fabrication of a Biomimetic Nano-Matrix with Janus Base Nanotubes and Fibronectin for Stem Cell Adhesion
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Observing and Quantifying Fibroblast-mediated Fibrin Gel Compaction
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Observing and Quantifying Fibroblast-mediated Fibrin Gel Compaction

Published on: January 16, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 26, 2026

ECM Protein Nanofibers and Nanostructures Engineered Using Surface-initiated Assembly
16:33

ECM Protein Nanofibers and Nanostructures Engineered Using Surface-initiated Assembly

Published on: April 17, 2014

Fabrication of a Biomimetic Nano-Matrix with Janus Base Nanotubes and Fibronectin for Stem Cell Adhesion
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Fabrication of a Biomimetic Nano-Matrix with Janus Base Nanotubes and Fibronectin for Stem Cell Adhesion

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Observing and Quantifying Fibroblast-mediated Fibrin Gel Compaction
10:37

Observing and Quantifying Fibroblast-mediated Fibrin Gel Compaction

Published on: January 16, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Biomaterials science
  • Tissue engineering

Background:

  • Cell-matrix interactions are vital for tissue development and engineering.
  • Understanding how cells assemble extracellular matrix (ECM) is key.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of cell-derived traction forces in ECM assembly.
  • To simultaneously measure traction forces and fibronectin fibril growth at attachment sites.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a novel assay with NIH3T3 cells on deformable cantilever posts.
  • Measured traction forces and fibronectin fibril growth over 2-24 hours.
  • Investigated myosin II activity using blebbistatin and calyculin A.

Main Results:

  • Fibril orientation is guided by traction force direction.
  • Traction forces shift from peripheral to uniform distribution over time.
  • Myosin II inhibition or augmentation blocked force translation, strain dissipation, and fibrillogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Dynamic changes in cell traction force and local strain are critical for ECM assembly.
  • Cellular forces play a significant role in guiding fibronectin fibrillogenesis.
  • Traction force dynamics are essential for successful tissue engineering and development.