Extracellular Matrix (ECM) |
Network and reservoir of extracellular and signaling molecules which are secreted locally to ensure cell and tissue cohesion |
Focal adhesions (FAs) |
Integrin-based cell-matrix physical contacts that transduce and integrate mechanical and biochemical cues from the environment through the recruitment of intracellular multiprotein assemblies connected to actin cytoskeleton |
Mechanosensing |
The ability of a cell to sense mechanical cues of its micro-environment, including not only all components of force, stress and strain but also substrate rigidity, topography and adhesiveness. |
Mechanotransduction |
Molecular process transforming a physical stimulus in a biological response |
Mechanotransducers |
Individual or protein complexes that produce or enable a chemical signal in response to a mechanical stimulus |
Mechanical instability |
Is the result of substrate mechanical oscillations at cell-ECM interface, that induces internal cellular and molecular rearrangements, in order to recover to an equilibrium state |
Tension |
Pulling force transmitted axially by means of an object |
Tensional homeostasis |
A basal equilibrium stress state in which cells counteract external force application by moving toward a previous force setpoint that had been established before external force application |
Stiffness |
Resistance of an elastic body to deflection or deformation by an applied force |
Stress fibers (SFs) |
Bundles of F-actin and myosin II held together by cross-linking proteins ensuring the cytoskeletal contractility |