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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
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The Mechanics of Poro-Elastic Contractile Actomyosin Networks As a Model System of the Cell Cytoskeleton
Published on: March 10, 2023
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Active intracellular mechanics - a key to cellular function and organization.
Mohammad Amin Eskandari1, Jannis Fischer1, Noémie Veyret1
1Third Institute of Physics - Biophysics , Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
Journal of Cell Science
|October 14, 2025
Summary
Intracellular active mechanics, involving cytosol viscoelasticity and protein forces, are vital for cell function. Precise regulation of these internal cell mechanics is essential for biological processes.
Area of Science:
- Cellular mechanics
- Biophysics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Mechanobiology highlights whole-cell mechanical control's importance.
- Intracellular mechanical properties and cytosol viscoelasticity are under-explored.
- Recent tools enable measurement of intracellular mechanical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce physical concepts of intracellular active mechanics.
- To review proteins governing intracellular mechanics.
- To emphasize the role of mechanical forces in intracellular transport.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on intracellular mechanics.
- Analysis of physical concepts related to viscoelasticity and active forces.
- Examination of protein functions in establishing active intracellular mechanics.
Main Results:
- The intracellular environment is active and non-equilibrium.
- Specific proteins generate forces influencing transport.
- Spatial and temporal variations in protein activity are significant.
Conclusions:
- Intracellular active mechanics are crucial for cellular functions.
- Precise regulation of intracellular mechanical properties is necessary.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the importance of intracellular active mechanics.
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