A key molecular link between cells and the extracellular matrix is the binding between
fibronectin and integrins α5β1 and αvβ3. However, the roles of these different integrins in …

Focal adhesions are mechanosensitive elements that enable mechanical communication
between cells and the extracellular matrix. Here, we demonstrate a major mechanosensitive …

Integrin-mediated mechanosensing of the extracellular environment allows cells to control
adhesion and signalling. Whether cells sense and respond to force immediately upon ligand …

Integrin adhesion receptors connect the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cytoskeleton and
serve as bidirectional mechanotransducers. During development, angiogenesis, wound …

Cells rapidly transduce forces exerted on extracellular matrix contacts into tyrosine kinase
activation and recruitment of cytoskeletal proteins to reinforce integrin–cytoskeleton …

Integrin-dependent adhesions are mechanosensitive structures in which talin mediates a
linkage to actin filaments either directly or indirectly by recruiting vinculin. Here, we report …

Integrin-based focal adhesions (FA) transmit anchorage and traction forces between the cell
and the extracellular matrix (ECM). To gain further insight into the physical parameters of the …

Increased affinity of integrins for the extracellular matrix (activation) regulates cell adhesion
and migration, extracellular matrix assembly, and mechanotransduction. Major uncertainties …

Cell-generated traction forces induce integrin activation, leading to focal adhesion growth
and cell spreading. It remains unknown, however, whether integrin activation feeds back to …

Upon binding to the extracellular matrix protein, fibronectin, αV-class and α5β1 integrins
trigger the recruitment of large protein assemblies and strengthen cell adhesion. Both …