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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...
Notch Signaling Pathway03:14

Notch Signaling Pathway

The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
Notch Signaling Pathway03:14

Notch Signaling Pathway

The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
What is Cell Signaling?02:03

What is Cell Signaling?

Despite the protective membrane that separates a cell from the environment, cells need the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. Additionally, cells often need to communicate with one another. Unicellular and multicellular organisms use a variety of cell signaling mechanisms to communicate to respond to the environment.
Overview of Cell Signaling01:23

Overview of Cell Signaling

Despite the protective membrane that separates a cell from the environment, cells need the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. Additionally, cells often need to communicate with one another. Unicellular and multicellular organisms use a variety of cell signaling mechanisms to communicate with the environment.
Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. For example, skin cells respond to and transmit touch...
Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses01:22

Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses

The physiological function of a cell and cellular communication are outcomes of a range of extrinsic signals, intracellular signaling pathways, and cellular responses. No two cell types express the same repertoire of signaling components. Receptors are highly selective for their cognate ligands, but once activated, they can alter multiple cellular processes such as DNA transcription, protein synthesis, and metabolic activity. 
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro
09:50

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro

Published on: August 27, 2015

The interplay between cell signalling and mechanics in developmental processes.

Callie Johnson Miller1, Lance A Davidson

  • 1Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.

Nature Reviews. Genetics
|September 19, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Biomechanical forces are essential for embryonic development, shaping tissues and guiding cell behaviors. Understanding these physical cues is key to unlocking developmental processes and future research.

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The Power of Simplicity: Sea Urchin Embryos as in Vivo Developmental Models for Studying Complex Cell-to-cell Signaling Network Interactions
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A Microfluidics Approach for the Functional Investigation of Signaling Oscillations Governing Somitogenesis
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A Microfluidics Approach for the Functional Investigation of Signaling Oscillations Governing Somitogenesis

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 7, 2026

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro
09:50

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Published on: August 27, 2015

The Power of Simplicity: Sea Urchin Embryos as in Vivo Developmental Models for Studying Complex Cell-to-cell Signaling Network Interactions
07:34

The Power of Simplicity: Sea Urchin Embryos as in Vivo Developmental Models for Studying Complex Cell-to-cell Signaling Network Interactions

Published on: February 16, 2017

A Microfluidics Approach for the Functional Investigation of Signaling Oscillations Governing Somitogenesis
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A Microfluidics Approach for the Functional Investigation of Signaling Oscillations Governing Somitogenesis

Published on: March 19, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Biophysics
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Force generation and stress/strain propagation are fundamental physical processes in embryonic development.
  • Biomechanical cues significantly influence cell behavior, cell fate decisions, and tissue morphogenesis.
  • Integrating biomechanics with genetic analysis presents ongoing challenges in developmental research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical roles of biomechanics in directing embryonic development.
  • To highlight how biomechanical cues shape tissues and provide positional information for cell fate.
  • To discuss molecular mechanisms underlying cellular responses to biomechanical stimuli.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings in developmental biomechanics.
  • Synthesis of evidence on the interplay between physical forces and cellular processes.
  • Discussion of molecular mechanisms and future research directions.

Main Results:

  • Biomechanical forces directly shape embryonic tissues and guide morphogenesis.
  • Physical cues provide essential positional information influencing cell fate decisions.
  • Emerging molecular mechanisms explain how cells and tissues respond to biomechanical signals.

Conclusions:

  • Biomechanical forces are integral to robust developmental programs.
  • Understanding biomechanics is crucial for deciphering developmental processes.
  • Future research should focus on integrating biomechanical insights with genetic studies.