Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

2.7K
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. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
2.7K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Genomic epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical <i>Mycoplasma pneumoniae</i> isolates in Shanghai, 2023-2024.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology·2026
Same author

Identifying coagulation-related biomarkers in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head: implications for early diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical and experimental medicine·2026
Same author

From clinical phenotypes to cellular mechanisms: a precision medicine framework for COPD.

Frontiers in immunology·2026
Same author

Investigation of Reference Genes for qRT-PCR and ARF Gene Family in <i>Michelia compressa</i> (Magnoliaceae) Under Cold Stress.

Plants (Basel, Switzerland)·2026
Same author

Dynamics of floral volatile emission and transcriptional regulation during flowering in Malus 'Prairie Rose'.

Gene·2026
Same author

Integrated metabolome, SMRT and illumina sequencing analyses unveil the molecular mechanisms of cross-(in)compatibility in Magnolia (Magnoliaceae).

The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Studying the Effects of Matrix Stiffness on Cellular Function using Acrylamide-based Hydrogels
10:19

Studying the Effects of Matrix Stiffness on Cellular Function using Acrylamide-based Hydrogels

Published on: August 10, 2010

22.7K

Hydrogels with reversible stiffness modulation: new materials for studying dynamic mechanical cues that regulate cell

Pinxue Li1, Yubo Liu2,3,4, Shuaiyi Liu1

  • 1Department of Sports Medicine & Shoulder, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|December 22, 2025
PubMed
Summary

The extracellular matrix (ECM) guides cell behavior through its physical properties, particularly stiffness. Hydrogels are excellent models for studying how ECM stiffness influences cell growth, differentiation, and reproduction.

Keywords:
cell behaviorextracellular matrixhydrogeltissue engineeringtunable stiffness

More Related Videos

Preparation of Hydroxy-PAAm Hydrogels for Decoupling the Effects of Mechanotransduction Cues
11:31

Preparation of Hydroxy-PAAm Hydrogels for Decoupling the Effects of Mechanotransduction Cues

Published on: August 28, 2014

13.9K
Simple Polyacrylamide-based Multiwell Stiffness Assay for the Study of Stiffness-dependent Cell Responses
07:45

Simple Polyacrylamide-based Multiwell Stiffness Assay for the Study of Stiffness-dependent Cell Responses

Published on: March 25, 2015

20.5K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 6, 2026

Studying the Effects of Matrix Stiffness on Cellular Function using Acrylamide-based Hydrogels
10:19

Studying the Effects of Matrix Stiffness on Cellular Function using Acrylamide-based Hydrogels

Published on: August 10, 2010

22.7K
Preparation of Hydroxy-PAAm Hydrogels for Decoupling the Effects of Mechanotransduction Cues
11:31

Preparation of Hydroxy-PAAm Hydrogels for Decoupling the Effects of Mechanotransduction Cues

Published on: August 28, 2014

13.9K
Simple Polyacrylamide-based Multiwell Stiffness Assay for the Study of Stiffness-dependent Cell Responses
07:45

Simple Polyacrylamide-based Multiwell Stiffness Assay for the Study of Stiffness-dependent Cell Responses

Published on: March 25, 2015

20.5K

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Cell Biology
  • Tissue Engineering

Background:

  • The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for cell survival, function, and behavior.
  • Physical and mechanical properties of the ECM dynamically guide cell activities.
  • Substrate stiffness is a key physical property influencing cell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the relationship between substrate stiffness and cell behavior.
  • To classify hydrogels based on origin and stiffness.
  • To provide an overview of hydrogel formation, properties, regulation, and applications.

Main Methods:

  • Classification of hydrogels by origin and stiffness.
  • Review of hydrogel formation and properties.
  • Discussion of hydrogel regulation and applications in cellular studies.

Main Results:

  • Hydrogels serve as excellent models for ECM physical properties in cellular studies.
  • Hydrogels can be classified by origin and relative stiffness.
  • Variable elastic moduli hydrogels are valuable for elucidating mechanical cue effects on cells.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding ECM physical properties is vital for cell behavior studies.
  • Hydrogels offer a versatile platform for investigating mechanical influences on cells.
  • Future research utilizing hydrogels with tunable stiffness will further clarify cell mechanobiology.