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Related Concept Videos

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

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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Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

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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.
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
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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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Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

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The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another  cell. These cell junctions are classified  into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
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Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

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Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...
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The method of joints is a commonly used technique to analyze the forces in structural trusses. The method is based on the principle of equilibrium, which assumes that the truss members are connected by frictionless pins. The forces at each joint can be determined by considering the equilibrium of the forces acting on that joint. Consider a truss structure with two forces of 20 N and 10 N acting at joints C and D, respectively. The method of joints can be used to determine the forces FCB, FDC,...
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Tension Gauge Tether Probes for Quantifying Growth Factor Mediated Integrin Mechanics and Adhesion
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Inferring cell junction tension and pressure from cell geometry.

Chloé Roffay1,2, Chii J Chan3, Boris Guirao2

  • 1Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Université de Paris - Diderot, CNRS UMR7057, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, F-75205 Paris Cedex 13, France.

Development (Cambridge, England)
|March 13, 2021
PubMed
Summary

This primer explains how to infer mechanical forces and stresses in tissues using cell geometry. It details the principles, limitations, and applications of this non-destructive technique for studying developmental mechanics.

Keywords:
Cell junction tensionCell pressureCell shapeDevelopmentEpitheliaMechanical stress inference

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Mechanics

Background:

  • Mechanical forces are critical for tissue development and homeostasis.
  • There is a growing need for in situ measurement of forces and stresses within biological tissues.
  • Inferring mechanical properties from cell geometry is an emerging, non-destructive technique.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the principles and assumptions of stress inference from cell geometry.
  • To discuss the validity criteria and limitations of this computational approach.
  • To provide guidance for researchers new to stress inference techniques.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing computational analyses to infer cell junction tensions and pressures from cell geometry.
  • Statistically validating the cell geometry-based approach against other measurement techniques.
  • Extending stress inference from 2D to 3D, using the early mouse embryo as a model.

Main Results:

  • The cell geometry-based method for stress inference is non-destructive and rapid.
  • This technique has been statistically validated, demonstrating its reliability.
  • The primer provides a framework for understanding and applying stress inference in developmental studies.

Conclusions:

  • Stress inference from cell geometry offers a valuable, accessible tool for studying mechanics in development.
  • Understanding the principles and limitations is key to appropriate application.
  • This primer aims to broaden the use of stress inference in the scientific community.