Figure. 38.

Schematic illustrating the interplay of the actin cytoskeleton with focal adhesions. A feedback loop including trans-membrane receptors that are connected via a rather complex adhesion module to intracellular signaling pathways relates ECM properties (chemistry, mechanics) to cytoskeleton regulation. Receptor modules (e.g. integrins) transmit signals to protein complexes responsible for signaling or actin dynamics. In turn the cytoskeleton influences the maturation and configuration of focal adhesion complexes. Image inspired by Geiger et al. [440].