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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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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...
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Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
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Once a ligand binds to a receptor, the signal is transmitted through the membrane and into the cytoplasm. The continuation of a signal in this manner is called signal transduction. Signal transduction only occurs with cell-surface receptors, which cannot interact with most components of the cell, such as DNA. Only internal receptors can interact directly with DNA in the nucleus to initiate protein synthesis. When a ligand binds to its receptor, conformational changes occur that affect the...
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Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. They respond to chemical signals, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules, initiating a series of molecular reactions to produce an appropriate response. This is called signal transduction. Cells also coordinate different responses elicited by the same signaling molecule via mediators, allowing molecular cross-talk.
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Updated: Oct 3, 2025

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
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Extracellular mechanotransduction.

Stephen J Haller1, Andrew T Dudley1

  • 1Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE.

The Journal of General Physiology
|February 16, 2022
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The extracellular matrix senses forces, offering a new way to understand how cells respond to mechanical signals. This discovery provides a complementary mechanotransduction paradigm.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Cell Biology
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of molecules surrounding cells.
  • Cellular responses to mechanical stimuli (mechanotransduction) are crucial for tissue development and disease.
  • Existing models primarily focus on intracellular force transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the force-sensing capabilities of the extracellular matrix.
  • To introduce a novel mechanotransduction paradigm that incorporates ECM force sensing.
  • To provide a more comprehensive understanding of cell-matrix mechanical interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Computational modeling of ECM mechanical properties.
  • In vitro experiments measuring cell-ECM force transmission.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways activated by mechanical stress.

Main Results:

  • The extracellular matrix actively participates in force sensing.
  • ECM force transmission directly influences cellular behavior and signaling.
  • A new model of mechanotransduction incorporating ECM sensing is proposed.

Conclusions:

  • The ECM's role in mechanotransduction extends beyond a passive scaffold.
  • This force-sensing function of the ECM offers a complementary paradigm for understanding cellular responses to mechanical cues.
  • Further research into ECM mechanosensing could reveal new therapeutic targets.