Expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) renders fibroblasts highly contractile and
hallmarks myofibroblast differentiation. We identify α-SMA as a mechanosensitive protein …

Focal adhesion composition and size are modulated in a myosin II–dependent maturation
process that controls adhesion, migration, and matrix remodeling. As myosin II activity drives …

The plasma membrane (PM) is often described as a wall, a physical barrier separating the
cell cytoplasm from the extracellular matrix (ECM). Yet, this wall is a highly dynamic structure …

We measure dynamic traction forces exerted by epithelial cells on a substrate. The force
sensor is a high-density array of elastomeric microfabricated pillars that support the cells …

Mechanical forces are crucial to the regulation of cell and tissue morphology and function. At
the cellular level, forces influence cytoskeletal organization, gene expression, proliferation …

Cell migration is an integrated process that requires the continuous, coordinated formation
and disassembly of adhesions. These processes are complex and require a regulated …

Increasing evidence suggests that mechanical cues inherent to the extracellular matrix
(ECM) may be equally as critical as its chemical identity in regulating cell behavior. We …

Cellular organization within a multicellular organism requires that a cell assess its relative
location, taking in multiple cues from its microenvironment. Given that the extracellular matrix …

How focal adhesions (FAs) convert retrograde filamentous actin (F-actin) flow into traction
stress on the extracellular matrix to drive cell migration is unknown. Using combined traction …

This review concerns the importance of length and time on physicochemical interactions
between living tissue and biomaterials that occur on implantation. The review provides …