Mechanical forces provide critical inputs for proper cellular functions. The interplay between
the generation of, and response to, mechanical forces regulate such cellular processes as …

In a three-dimensional environment, cells migrate through complex topographical features.
Using microstructured substrates, we investigate the role of substrate topography in cell …

The stiffness of hydrogels has been reported to direct cell fate. Here, we found that the
stiffness of hydrogels promotes the reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts into …

Recent studies suggest that mechanical signals mediated by the extracellular matrix play an
essential role in various physiological and pathological processes; yet, how cells respond to …

Discrete micropatterns on biomaterial surfaces can be used to guide the direction of
mammalian cell movement by orienting cell morphology. However, guiding cell assembly in …

Interaction of cells with extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cell shape, differentiation and
polarity. This effect has been widely observed in cells grown on substrates with various …

Investigations of active contractions in tissue cells to date have been focused on cells that
exert forces via adhesion sites to substrates or to other cells. In this study we show that also …

The biophysical machinery that permits a cell to sense substrate rigidity is poorly
understood. Rigidity sensing of adherent cells likely involves traction forces applied through …

The ability of cells to sense geometrical/physical constraints of the local environment is
important for cell movements during development, immune surveillance, and in cancer …

The optimal shapes attained by contractile cells on adhesive substrates are determined by
the interplay between intracellular forces and adhesion with the extracellular matrix. We …