Figure 1.

Computational model for predicting YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation. (A) The extended motor-clutch model is used to simulate the focal adhesion dynamics mediated mechanosensing at the cell-ECM interface. Matrices are modeled as elastic, viscous, viscoelastic, and viscoplastic elements. (B) In the model, active integrins (i.e., bonded clutches with stretched lengths over a certain threshold) can enhance the level of FAKY397 phosphorylation at cell adhesions. This mechanochemical reaction is related to the amount of active integrins and inactive FAKY397 molecules. (C) FAKpY397 can later be fully activated by Src. Active FAK molecules can activate the Rho-mDia1/ROCK axis, which further promotes formation of intracellular stress fibers composed of F-actin and myosin (including actin caps above the nucleus) and perinuclear forces. (D) Descriptions of the dynamics of YAP/TAZ nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Generally, perinuclear forces can induce deformation of the nucleus, which leads to a larger nuclear pore area, increasing the import rate of YAP/TAZ and ultimately changing the nucleoplasmic ratio of YAP/TAZ. To see this figure in color, go online.