Chemical and physical properties of the environment control cell proliferation, differentiation,
or apoptosis in the long term. However, to be able to move and migrate through a complex …

Vinculin was identified as a component of focal adhesions and adherens junctions nearly 40
years ago. Since that time, remarkable progress has been made in understanding its …

Talin, a force-bearing cytoplasmic adapter essential for integrin-mediated cell adhesion,
links the actin cytoskeleton to integrin-based cell–extracellular matrix adhesions at the …

The ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical signals is vital in development and
healthy tissue functioning. Many diseases are related to either changing mechanical …

Cardiac and skeletal striated muscles are intricately designed machines responsible for
muscle contraction. Coordination of the basic contractile unit, the sarcomere, and the …

Simple Summary The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibres within cells that provide
structure and support intracellular transport. Focal adhesions are protein complexes …

Integrin receptors provide a dynamic, tightly-regulated link between the extracellular matrix
(or cellular counter-receptors) and intracellular cytoskeletal and signalling networks …

Force sensing at cadherin-mediated adhesions is critical for their proper function. α-Catenin,
which links cadherins to actomyosin, has a crucial role in this mechanosensing process. It …

During epithelial tissue development, repair, and homeostasis, adherens junctions (AJs)
ensure intercellular adhesion and tissue integrity while allowing for cell and tissue …

Mechanical forces are central to developmental, physiological and pathological processes.
However, limited understanding of force transmission within sub-cellular structures is a …