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Mechanical signaling in reproductive tissues: mechanisms and importance.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Jorge, S; Chang, S; Barzilai, JJ; Leppert, P; Segars, JH
Published in: Reprod Sci
September 2014

The organs of the female reproductive system are among the most dynamic tissues in the human body, undergoing repeated cycles of growth and involution from puberty through menopause. To achieve such impressive plasticity, reproductive tissues must respond not only to soluble signals (hormones, growth factors, and cytokines) but also to physical cues (mechanical forces and osmotic stress) as well. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying the process of mechanotransduction-how signals are conveyed from the extracellular matrix that surrounds the cells of reproductive tissues to the downstream molecules and signaling pathways that coordinate the cellular adaptive response to external forces. Our objective was to examine how mechanical forces contribute significantly to physiological functions and pathogenesis in reproductive tissues. We highlight how widespread diseases of the reproductive tract, from preterm labor to tumors of the uterus and breast, result from an impairment in mechanical signaling.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Reprod Sci

DOI

EISSN

1933-7205

Publication Date

September 2014

Volume

21

Issue

9

Start / End Page

1093 / 1107

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Signal Transduction
  • Reproduction
  • Pregnancy
  • Ovary
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Extracellular Matrix
  • Endometrium
 

Citation

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Jorge, S., Chang, S., Barzilai, J. J., Leppert, P., & Segars, J. H. (2014). Mechanical signaling in reproductive tissues: mechanisms and importance. Reprod Sci, 21(9), 1093–1107. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719114542023
Jorge, Soledad, Sydney Chang, Joshua J. Barzilai, Phyllis Leppert, and James H. Segars. “Mechanical signaling in reproductive tissues: mechanisms and importance.Reprod Sci 21, no. 9 (September 2014): 1093–1107. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719114542023.
Jorge S, Chang S, Barzilai JJ, Leppert P, Segars JH. Mechanical signaling in reproductive tissues: mechanisms and importance. Reprod Sci. 2014 Sep;21(9):1093–107.
Jorge, Soledad, et al. “Mechanical signaling in reproductive tissues: mechanisms and importance.Reprod Sci, vol. 21, no. 9, Sept. 2014, pp. 1093–107. Pubmed, doi:10.1177/1933719114542023.
Jorge S, Chang S, Barzilai JJ, Leppert P, Segars JH. Mechanical signaling in reproductive tissues: mechanisms and importance. Reprod Sci. 2014 Sep;21(9):1093–1107.
Journal cover image

Published In

Reprod Sci

DOI

EISSN

1933-7205

Publication Date

September 2014

Volume

21

Issue

9

Start / End Page

1093 / 1107

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Signal Transduction
  • Reproduction
  • Pregnancy
  • Ovary
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Extracellular Matrix
  • Endometrium