Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

Tension 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...
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
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...
Mechanical Protein Functions01:58

Mechanical Protein Functions

Proteins perform many mechanical functions in a cell. These proteins can be classified into two general categories- proteins that generate mechanical forces and proteins that are subjected to mechanical forces. Proteins providing mechanical support to the structure of the cell, such as keratin, are subjected to mechanical force, whereas proteins involved in cell movement and transport of molecules across cell membranes, such as an ion pump, are examples of generating mechanical force. 
Energy to Drive Translocation01:37

Energy to Drive Translocation

Mitochondrial protein import is powered by two distinct energy sources: ATP hydrolysis and electrochemical potential across the inner membrane. Newly synthesized precursors are bound by cytosolic chaperones of the Hsp70 family, which guide them to the import receptors on the mitochondrial surface. Utilizing the energy of ATP hydrolysis, Hsp70 chaperones transfer these precursors to the TOM receptors on the mitochondrial outer membrane.
Generally, polypeptides are unfolded by two distinct...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Neurogenesis: Pathways for population balance.

Nature reviews. Neuroscience·2010
Same author

Stem cells: a balancing act.

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2010
Same author

Autophagy: a new link in the chain.

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2010
Same author

Nuclear envelope: Different preNup arrangements.

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2010
Same author

Apoptosis: Which way will the Dicer roll?

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2010
Same author

Sumoylation: Wrestling with filaments.

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2010
Same journal

How proteins fold.

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2026
Same journal

Single-cell evidence for PANoptosome complexes.

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2026
Same journal

Reply to 'Single-cell evidence for PANoptosome complexes'.

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2026
Same journal

Plucking cellular ribosomes with Ribo-Tweezer.

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2026
Same journal

COPII meets autophagy at the ER membrane.

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2026
Same journal

Diapause presses pause on life's developmental and ageing clock.

Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Measurement of Force-Sensitive Protein Dynamics in Living Cells Using a Combination of Fluorescent Techniques
08:28

Measurement of Force-Sensitive Protein Dynamics in Living Cells Using a Combination of Fluorescent Techniques

Published on: November 2, 2018

Mechanotransduction: using the force.

Debbie Walker

    Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
    |April 28, 2010
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    This study explores the chemo-mechanical coupling in EPHA2-ephrin A1 signaling. Understanding this interplay is crucial for cell communication and developmental processes.

    More Related Videos

    Dissecting Mechanoenzymatic Properties of Processive Myosins with Ultrafast Force-Clamp Spectroscopy
    09:38

    Dissecting Mechanoenzymatic Properties of Processive Myosins with Ultrafast Force-Clamp Spectroscopy

    Published on: July 1, 2021

    Mechanical Manipulation of Neurons to Control Axonal Development
    10:02

    Mechanical Manipulation of Neurons to Control Axonal Development

    Published on: April 10, 2011

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

    Measurement of Force-Sensitive Protein Dynamics in Living Cells Using a Combination of Fluorescent Techniques
    08:28

    Measurement of Force-Sensitive Protein Dynamics in Living Cells Using a Combination of Fluorescent Techniques

    Published on: November 2, 2018

    Dissecting Mechanoenzymatic Properties of Processive Myosins with Ultrafast Force-Clamp Spectroscopy
    09:38

    Dissecting Mechanoenzymatic Properties of Processive Myosins with Ultrafast Force-Clamp Spectroscopy

    Published on: July 1, 2021

    Mechanical Manipulation of Neurons to Control Axonal Development
    10:02

    Mechanical Manipulation of Neurons to Control Axonal Development

    Published on: April 10, 2011

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Biophysics
    • Molecular Signaling

    Background:

    • The EPHA2 receptor tyrosine kinase and its ligand, ephrin A1, play critical roles in cell-cell interactions.
    • Ephrin signaling is known to regulate cell adhesion, migration, and tissue morphogenesis.
    • The mechanical forces generated or sensed during signaling are increasingly recognized as important.

    Discussion:

    • This research investigates the direct link between chemical signals and mechanical responses in EPHA2-ephrin A1 interactions.
    • It examines how ligand binding to EPHA2 induces changes in cell mechanics.
    • The study explores the reciprocal influence of mechanical forces on the signaling pathway itself.

    Key Insights:

    • Demonstrates a direct chemo-mechanical coupling mechanism within the EPHA2-ephrin A1 system.
    • Quantifies the mechanical forces generated by ligand-receptor engagement.
    • Reveals how cellular mechanical properties can modulate Ephrin signaling dynamics.

    Outlook:

    • Further elucidation of chemo-mechanical coupling in Ephrin signaling could reveal new therapeutic targets.
    • This understanding may inform the design of biomaterials that interact with cellular mechanical cues.
    • Future studies will explore the role of these coupled mechanisms in various physiological and pathological contexts, including cancer progression.