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Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

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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.
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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...

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A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro

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Published on: August 27, 2015

An agent-based model for elasto-plastic mechanical interactions between cells, basement membrane and extracellular

Gianluca D'Antonio¹, Paul Macklin, Luigi Preziosi

¹Politecnico di Torino, Torino, 10124, Italy. gianluca.dantonio@studenti.polito.it

Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering : MBE

|January 15, 2013

Summary

This study models cell-basement membrane (BM) and extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, revealing how their mechanical properties and plasticity influence cell behavior and tissue remodeling in conditions like cancer.

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Area of Science:

Biomathematics
Cell Biology
Biophysics

Background:

Basement membrane (BM) and extracellular matrix (ECM) are crucial in development and cancer.
Existing models often lack detailed mechanical interactions between cells, BM, and ECM.
Agent-based cell models need enhanced mechanical frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a comprehensive model of mechanical cell-BM-ECM interactions.
To incorporate plasticity and time-varying properties into BM and ECM models.
To investigate the impact of these interactions on cell shape and tissue mechanics.

Main Methods:

Modeled BM as linked Hookean springs with variable properties.
Incorporated adhesive and repulsive forces between cell agents and BM nodes.
Introduced a novel model for plastic BM and ECM reorganization under strain.
Developed constitutive relations linking molecular plasticity to spring constants.

Main Results:

BM elasticity balance affects node spacing and BM thickness.
Uneven spacing generates stresses relieved by plasticity over time.
Elasto-viscoplastic cell shape response is key to relieving BM stress.
Model highlights importance in conditions with membrane deformation.

Conclusions:

Rigorous modeling of cell-BM-ECM interactions is vital for understanding diseases.
Plasticity and time-dependent mechanical responses are critical.
The model advances understanding of tissue mechanics in cancer and aneurysms.