Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors ensuring the mechanical connection
between cells and the extracellular matrix. In addition to the anchorage of cells to the …

Cells actively sense and process mechanical information that is provided by the extracellular
environment to make decisions about growth, motility and differentiation. It is important to …

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major components of the carcinoma
microenvironment that promote tumor progression. However, the mechanisms by which …

Background: Fibronectin (FN) polymerization is necessary for collagen matrix deposition
and is a key contributor to increased abundance of cardiac myofibroblasts (MFs) after …

Recent progress in the design and application of artificial cellular microenvironments and
nanoenvironments has revealed the extraordinary ability of cells to adjust their cytoskeletal …

Neoplastic cells recruit fibroblasts through various growth factors and cytokines. These
“cancer-associated fibroblasts”(CAF) actively interact with neoplastic cells and form a …

The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix have recently been shown to promote
myofibroblast differentiation and lung fibrosis. Mechanisms by which matrix stiffness …

The interaction of cells and tissues with artificial materials designed for applications in
biotechnologies and in medicine is governed by the physical and chemical properties of the …

Interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix coordinate signaling pathways that
control various aspects of cellular behavior. Integrins sense the physical properties of the …

Integrins are cell surface transmembrane receptors that recognize and bind to extracellular
matrix proteins and counter receptors. Binding of activated integrins to their ligands induces …