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Related Concept Videos

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

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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.
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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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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. 
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The equilibrium of a two-force body is a particular case that is often encountered in practical applications. A two-force body is a rigid body that is subjected to only two external forces. For such a body to be in equilibrium, the two forces must have the same magnitude, the same line of action, and the opposite direction.
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A toggle clamp is a mechanical device commonly used for holding and clamping objects in various applications, such as woodworking, metalworking, and assembly operations. Consider a toggle clamp subjected to a force of 200 N at the handle. The vertical clamping force can be calculated, provided the dimensions of the toggle clamp are known.
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ATP synthase or ATPase is among the most conserved proteins found in bacteria, mammals, and plants. This enzyme can catalyze a forward reaction in response to the electrochemical gradient, producing ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. ATP synthase can also work in a reverse direction by hydrolyzing ATP and generating an electrochemical gradient. Different forms of ATP synthases have evolved special features to meet the specific demands of the cell. Based on their specific feature, ATP...
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Related Experiment Video

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May the (Mechanical) Force Be with AT2.

Julio Sainz de Aja1, Carla F Kim1

  • 1Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology and Division of Respiratory Disease, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

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|January 18, 2020
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Summary

Impaired alveolar stem cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis generate mechanical tension, driving fibrosis from the lung periphery inward. This discovery offers new insights into lung disease progression.

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Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Cell Biology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating lung disease characterized by progressive destruction of lung architecture.
  • The mechanisms driving the characteristic "periphery to center" progression of fibrosis in IPF remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of alveolar stem cells in the spatial regulation of fibrosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
  • To elucidate the contribution of mechanical forces generated by alveolar stem cells to fibrotic disease progression.

Main Methods:

  • The study by Wu et al. (2020) utilized advanced cellular and tissue engineering techniques.
  • Investigated the mechanical properties and behavior of alveolar (AT2) stem cells in models of lung fibrosis.

Main Results:

  • Impaired alveolar (AT2) stem cells were found to produce aberrant mechanical tension.
  • This mechanical tension was demonstrated to spatially regulate the development of fibrosis within the lung.
  • The findings link stem cell dysfunction to the specific pattern of fibrotic disease spread.

Conclusions:

  • Dysfunctional alveolar stem cells and the mechanical forces they exert are critical drivers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis progression.
  • This research opens new avenues for understanding and potentially targeting the spatial aspects of lung fibrotic diseases.