Mechanotransduction Dynamics at the Cell-Matrix Interface

Biophysical Journal
Seth H WeinbergChristopher A Lemmon

Abstract

The ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical cues from the surrounding environment has been implicated as a key regulator of cell differentiation, migration, and proliferation. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an oft-overlooked component of the interface between cells and their surroundings. Cells assemble soluble ECM proteins into insoluble fibrils with unique mechanical properties that can alter the mechanical cues a cell receives. In this study, we construct a model that predicts the dynamics of cellular traction force generation and subsequent assembly of fibrils of the ECM protein fibronectin (FN). FN fibrils are the primary component in primordial ECM and, as such, FN assembly is a critical component in the cellular mechanical response. The model consists of a network of Hookean springs, each representing an extensible domain within an assembling FN fibril. As actomyosin forces stretch the spring network, simulations predict the resulting traction force and FN fibril formation. The model accurately predicts FN fibril morphometry and demonstrates a mechanism by which FN fibril assembly regulates traction force dynamics in response to mechanical stimuli and varying surrounding substrate stiffness.

Citations

Dec 24, 2017·Scientific Reports·Christopher A Lemmon, Seth H Weinberg
Oct 17, 2018·Molecular Biology of the Cell·Devin B MairRong Li
Mar 21, 2020·Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology·Lewis E ScottSeth H Weinberg
Apr 17, 2020·Chemical Communications : Chem Comm·Yongliang WangHongbin Li
Feb 2, 2020·Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology·Gabriel Santos RosalemLibardo Andrés González-Torres
Dec 19, 2018·Frontiers in Physiology·Alessandro LoppiniSimonetta Filippi
Aug 6, 2019·Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·Lewis E ScottChristopher A Lemmon
Apr 25, 2020·Frontiers in Microbiology·Michael E KonkelCourtney M Klappenbach
Jun 18, 2018·Biomaterials·A D SchwartzS R Peyton
May 21, 2021·Microscopy and Microanalysis : the Official Journal of Microscopy Society of America, Microbeam Analysis Society, Microscopical Society of Canada·Shreyas U HirwaySeth H Weinberg
Jun 14, 2021·European Biophysics Journal : EBJ·Ilaria TortorellaFrancesco Morena

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