▪ Abstract Focal adhesions are sites of tight adhesion to the underlying extracellular matrix
developed by cells in culture. They provide a structural link between the actin cytoskeleton …

To migrate, a cell first extends protrusions such as lamellipodia and filopodia, forms
adhesions, and finally retracts its tail. The actin cytoskeleton plays a major role in this …

Mechanical stresses were applied directly to cell surface receptors with a magnetic twisting
device. The extracellular matrix receptor, integrin β1, induced focal adhesion formation and …

Interactions of cells with the extracellular matrix are essential for the control of tissue
remodelling, cell migration, and embryogenesis. At the cell–extracellular matrix contact …

Proteins at the boundary between the cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane control cell
shape, delimit specialized membrane domains, and stabilize attachments to other cells and …

Adhesive interactions play a central role in cell migration. The regulation of these
interactions requires the coordination of a multiplicity of signals, both spatially and …

Cells govern tissue shape by exerting highly regulated forces at sites of matrix adhesion. As
the major force-bearing adhesion-receptor protein, integrins have a central role in how cells …

It has been proposed that the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) mediates focal adhesion
formation through tyrosine phosphorylation during cell adhesion. We investigated the role of …

Cells from diverse tissues detect mechanical load signals by similar mechanisms but
respond differently. The diversity of responses reflects the genotype of the cell and the …

Talin is a structural component of focal adhesion sites and is thought to be engaged in
multiple protein interactions at the cytoplasmic face of cell/matrix contacts. Talin is a major …