Cell mechanics and mechanotransduction: pathways, probes, and physiology.
Cells face not only a complex biochemical environment but also a diverse biomechanical environment. How cells respond to variations in mechanical forces is critical in homeostasis and many diseases. The mechanisms by which mechanical forces lead to eventual biochemical and molecular responses remain undefined, and unraveling this mystery will undoubtedly provide new insight into strengthening bone, growing cartilage, improving cardiac contractility, and constructing tissues for artificial organs. In this article we review the physical bases underlying the mechanotransduction process, techniques used to apply controlled mechanical stresses on living cells and tissues to probe mechanotransduction, and some of the important lessons that we are learning from mechanical stimulation of cells with precisely controlled forces.
Huang
Hayden
H
Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02139, USA. hhuang@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Kamm
Roger D
RD
Lee
Richard T
RT
D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D015398:Signal Transduction