Kavli Affiliate: Gijsje H. Koenderink
| First 5 Authors: Iain Muntz, Michele Fenu, Gerjo J. V. M. van Osch, Gijsje H. Koenderink,
| Summary:
Living tissue is able to withstand large stresses in everyday life, yet it
also actively adapts to dynamic loads. This remarkable mechanical behaviour
emerges from the interplay between living cells and their non-living
extracellular environment. Here we review recent insights into the biophysical
mechanisms involved in the reciprocal interplay between cells and the
extracellular matrix and how this interplay determines tissue mechanics, with a
focus on connective tissues. We first describe the roles of the main
macromolecular components of the extracellular matrix in regards to tissue
mechanics. We then proceed to highlight the main routes via which cells sense
and respond to their biochemical and mechanical extracellular environment. Next
we introduce the three main routes via which cells can modify their
extracellular environment: exertion of contractile forces, secretion and
deposition of matrix components, and matrix degradation. Finally we discuss how
recent insights in the mechanobiology of cell-matrix interactions are
furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology of connective tissue
diseases and cancer, and facilitating the design of novel strategies for tissue
engineering.
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