How cells sense extracellular matrix stiffness: a material's perspective

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2013 Oct;24(5):948-53. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.03.020. Epub 2013 Apr 20.

Abstract

The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in which cells reside have emerged as an important regulator of cell fate. While materials based on natural ECM have been used to implicate the role of substrate stiffness for cell fate decisions, it is difficult in these matrices to isolate mechanics from other structural parameters. In contrast, fully synthetic hydrogels offer independent control over physical and adhesive properties. New synthetic materials that also recreate the fibrous structural hierarchy of natural matrices are now being designed to study substrate mechanics in more complex ECMs. This perspective examines the ways in which new materials are being used to advance our understanding of how ECM stiffness impacts cell function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation* / drug effects
  • Cell Lineage* / drug effects
  • Extracellular Matrix / chemistry*
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / chemical synthesis
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / chemistry
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / pharmacology
  • Molecular Mimicry
  • Pliability*
  • Proteins / pharmacology

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate