Year of publication:
2007
Journal name:
Science
Nonequilibrium Mechanics of Active Cytoskeletal Networks
http://www.sciencemag.org –
Cells both actively generate and sensitively react to forces through their mechanical framework, the cytoskeleton, which is a nonequilibrium composite material including polymers and motor proteins. We measured the dynamics and mechanical properties of a simple three-component model system consisting of myosin II, actin filaments, and cross-linkers. Read more »
Mechanotransduction across the cell surface and through the cytoskeleton
http://www.sciencemag.org –
Mechanical stresses were applied directly to cell surface receptors with a magnetic twisting device. The extracellular matrix receptor, integrin beta 1, induced focal adhesion formation and supported a force-dependent stiffening response, whereas nonadhesion receptors did not. The cytoskeletal stiffness (ratio of stress to strain) increased in direct proportion to the applied stress and required intact microtubules and intermediate filaments as well as microfilaments. Read more »
Year of publication:
1993
Journal name:
Science
Category: Focal Adhesions Tags: