Fig. 3.

Membrane compressive force induced integrin activation. a A cell under compressive force. b Local compressive force rearranges the actin cytoskeleton, via the integrin cytoplasmic adaptor protein talin, propagating lateral force to induce integrin tail separation and activation. c Local membrane tension induced mechanosensitive ion channel opening, leading to Ca²⁺ influx and subsequent intracellular signals that activate the integrin. d Local compression of glycocalyx by extracellular matrix (ECM) enables ligand engagement of nearby integrin receptors. It also creates opposing elastic force, which transmits to pull on the integrin via a bound ligand and induces integrin activation