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Nature Cell Biology 3, E110–E112 (1 May 2001) | doi:10.1038/35074631

Getting a grip: new insights for cell adhesion and traction

Douglas A. Lauffenburger & Alan Wells

The biophysical interactions of the cell with the extracellular matrix generate forces that are transmitted from the cell to its surroundings and from the matrix to the cell. Outside-in mechanical forces exert a myriad of roles on cell behaviour by activating various biochemical signalling pathways and regulating gene expression.