title: Mechanosensing in cell-matrix adhesions - Converting tension into chemical signals.
abstract: Cell-matrix adhesions have since long been recognized to be critical for the survival and proliferation of cells. In fact, these adhesive structures do not only physically anchor cells, but they also induce vital intracellular signaling at cell-matrix adhesion sites. Recent progress in the cell adhesion field is now starting to provide data and ideas how this so far enigmatic signaling process is induced and regulated by intracellular acto-myosin tension, or stiffness of the extracellular matrix. Understanding how cells are using this mechanosignaling system will be key to control biological processes such as development, cancer growth, metastasis formation and tissue regeneration. In this review, we illustrate and discuss the mechanosignaling mechanisms important in the regulation of cell-matrix adhesions at the molecular level.
authors.affiliation: BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Biokatu 6, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland; Fimlab Laboratories, Biokatu 4, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Vesa P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Hytönen
authors.affiliation: University of Geneva, Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Centre Médical Universitaire, 1. Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland; University of Geneva, Diabetes Center, Medical Faculty, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wehrle-Haller
mesh_terms: D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular; D008954:Models, Biological; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D016608:Talin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016608:Talin
keywords: Conformation; FAK; Fibronectin; Integrin; Paxillin; Talin