Lamellipodium is a myosin-independent mechanosensor

Abstract

Cell physiology can be regulated by the mechanics of the extracellular environment. Here, we demonstrate that cell spreading is a mechanosensitive process regulated by weak forces generated at the cell periphery and independent of motor activity. We show that stiffness sensing depends on the kinetics of the initial adhesion bonds that are subjected to forces driven by protein polymerization. This work demonstrates how the binding kinetics of adhesion molecules are sensitively tuned to a range of forces that enable mechanosensation.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Feb 27, 2018
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.1715869115

Entities

People

  • Austin V. Skeeters
  • Gregory A. Voth
  • Guillermina R. Ramirez-san Juan
  • Margaret Gardel
  • Patrick W Oakes
  • Stephen P. Winter
  • Tamara C. Bidone
  • Yvonne Beckham

Organizations

  • Army Research Office
  • National Institute of General Medical Sciences
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Rochester

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Surface Coatings Technology.