Mechanotransduction

Question 1

What is the ECM?

Answer 1

Network and reservoir of extra cellular and signalling molecules which are secreted locally to ensure cell and tissue cohesion

Question 2

What are Focal Adhesions?

Answer 2

Integrin based cell matrix physical contacts that transducer and integrate mechanical and biochemical cues from the environment through the recruitment of intracellular multi protein assemblies connected to Actin cytoskeleton

Question 3

What is Mechanosensing?

Answer 3

The ability of a cell to sense mechanical cues of its micro-environment, includes not only all components of force, stress and strain, but also substrate rigidity, topography and adhesiveness