Integrins and Extracellular Matrix in Mechanotransduction (original) (raw)

  1. Martin Alexander Schwartz
  2. Departments of Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
  3. Correspondence: maschwartz{at}virginia.edu

Abstract

Integrins bind extracellular matrix fibrils and associate with intracellular actin filaments through a variety of cytoskeletal linker proteins to mechanically connect intracellular and extracellular structures. Each component of the linkage from the cytoskeleton through the integrin-mediated adhesions to the extracellular matrix therefore transmits forces that may derive from both intracellular, myosin-generated contractile forces and forces from outside the cell. These forces activate a wide range of signaling pathways and genetic programs to control cell survival, fate, and behavior. Additionally, cells sense the physical properties of their surrounding environment through forces exerted on integrin-mediated adhesions. This article first summarizes current knowledge about regulation of cell function by mechanical forces acting through integrin-mediated adhesions and then discusses models for mechanotransduction and sensing of environmental forces.

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