The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic system that constantly offers physical,
biological, and chemical signals to embraced cells. Increasing evidence suggests that …

Integrins are the major family of adhesion molecules that mediate cell adhesion to the
extracellular matrix. They are essential for embryonic development and influence numerous …

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors ensuring the mechanical connection
between cells and the extracellular matrix. In addition to the anchorage of cells to the …

Integrin receptors provide a dynamic, tightly-regulated link between the extracellular matrix
(or cellular counter-receptors) and intracellular cytoskeletal and signalling networks …

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM), mediated by transmembrane receptors of
the integrin family, is exquisitely sensitive to biochemical, structural, and mechanical …

Signaling pathways allow cells to detect and respond to a wide variety of chemical (eg Ca2+
or chemokine proteins) and physical stimuli (eg, sheer stress, light). Together, these …

Physical forces regulate numerous biological processes during development, physiology,
and pathology. Forces between the external environment and intracellular actin cytoskeleton …

The ability of cells to adhere and sense differences in tissue stiffness is crucial for organ
development and function. The central mechanisms by which adherent cells detect …

Integrins in focal adhesions (FAs) mediate adhesion and force transmission to extracellular
matrices essential for cell motility, proliferation and differentiation. Different fibronectin …

Integrin adhesion receptors are essential for the normal function of most multicellular
organisms, and defective integrin activation or integrin signaling is associated with an array …