title: Mechano-transduction: from molecules to tissues.
abstract: External forces play complex roles in cell organization, fate, and homeostasis. Changes in these forces, or how cells respond to them, can result in abnormal embryonic development and diseases in adults. How cells sense and respond to these mechanical stimuli requires an understanding of the biophysical principles that underlie changes in protein conformation and result in alterations in the organization and function of cells and tissues. Here, we discuss mechano-transduction as it applies to protein conformation, cellular organization, and multi-cell (tissue) function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America; Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: Beth L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Pruitt
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America; Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: Alexander R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.affiliation: Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: William I
authors.initials: WI
authors.lastname: Weis
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America; Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: W James
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Nelson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular; D011487:Protein Conformation