Figure 1.

Force transmission through integrins. Schematic representation of a mesenchymal cell expressing integrins and ECM molecules. Integrins transduce messages from the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the actin cytoskeleton by providing a link across the plasma membrane. Any force applied to the ECM leads to ECM molecule rearrangement and is transmitted as a mechanical signal to ligand-bound integrins. The zoom represents the positioning of integrins with respect to ECM components. Integrins do not directly communicate with the cytoskeleton. However, they are composed of a cytoplasmic domain called the tail, connected to actin-binding adaptor proteins such as talin, tensin, or actin, which transmit forces from the integrins to the cytoskeleton.