Stressing the limits of focal adhesion mechanosensitivity

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2014 Oct:30:68-73. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2014.06.003. Epub 2014 Jul 5.

Abstract

Focal adhesion assembly and maturation often occurs concomitantly with changes in force generated within the cytoskeleton or extracellular matrix. To coordinate focal adhesion dynamics with force, it has been suggested that focal adhesion dynamics are mechanosensitive. This review discusses current understanding of the regulation of focal adhesion assembly and force transmission, and the limits to which we can consider focal adhesion plaques as mechanosensitive entities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Focal Adhesions* / physiology
  • Stress, Physiological*