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A Microfluidics Approach for the Functional Investigation of Signaling Oscillations Governing Somitogenesis
Published on: March 19, 2021
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Interplay between mechanics and signalling in regulating cell fate.
Henry De Belly1,2,3, Ewa K Paluch4, Kevin J Chalut5,6
1Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|April 2, 2022
Summary
Mechanical signals influence biological processes through outside-in pathways and cell surface properties. This review explores their roles in stem cell function and development, highlighting feedback loops.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Mechanical signalling is crucial for biological processes like cell fate, migration, morphogenesis, and immune responses.
- Two primary routes exist: outside-in mechanical signalling (e.g., mechanosensing) and cell surface mechanics-regulated signalling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent insights into the mechanisms and functions of mechanical signalling routes.
- To discuss how these signalling pathways regulate stem cell function and in vivo development.
- To explore the interplay between cell surface mechanics, intracellular signalling, and mechanosensing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on mechanical signalling.
- Analysis of mechanisms in outside-in signalling and cell surface mechanics.
- Examination of feedback loops between intracellular signalling and cell surface mechanics.
Main Results:
- Mechanical signalling, via substrate mechanosensing and cell surface properties, impacts development and adult biology.
- These pathways are critical for regulating stem cell fate and developmental processes.
- Intracellular signalling influences cell surface mechanics, creating feedback that modulates mechanosensing.
Conclusions:
- The integration of mechanosensing, intracellular signalling, and cell surface mechanics is vital for biological regulation.
- Understanding these interactions provides profound insights into stem cell fate and development.
- Mechanical signalling is a fundamental regulator of biological complexity.
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