Dynamic molecular processes mediate cellular mechanotransduction
Journal Article
Cellular responses to mechanical forces are crucial in embryonic development and adult physiology, and are involved in numerous diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, osteoporosis, muscular dystrophy, myopathies and cancer. These responses are mediated by load-bearing subcellular structures, such as the plasma membrane, cell-adhesion complexes and the cytoskeleton. Recent work has demonstrated that these structures are dynamic, undergoing assembly, disassembly and movement, even when ostensibly stable. An emerging insight is that transduction of forces into biochemical signals occurs within the context of these processes. This framework helps to explain how forces of varying strengths or dynamic characteristics regulate distinct signalling pathways. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Hoffman, BD; Grashoff, C; Schwartz, MA
Published Date
- 2011
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 475 / 7356
Start / End Page
- 316 - 323
PubMed ID
- 21776077
Pubmed Central ID
- 21776077
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0028-0836
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1038/nature10316