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The molecular clutch model for mechanotransduction evolves

Nature Cell Biology volume 18, pages 459–461 (2016)Cite this article

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Many biological processes are influenced by the mechanical rigidity of surrounding tissues. Now, a combination of experiments and mathematical modelling has been used to describe the precise molecular and physical mechanism by which cells sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their extracellular environment through integrin-based adhesions.

Cells exert forces on other cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM) to migrate or remodel tissues and the ECM during development, wound healing and the immune response. Conversely, forces and mechanics of the environment influence transcription, cellular differentiation and inflammation. Thus, understanding how physical information is transmitted and sensed by the cell to regulate its function is critical in characterizing the molecular basis of a wide variety of physiological processes and diseases. In this issue, Roca-Cusachs and colleagues reveal important insights into the regulation of force transmission across integrin-based focal adhesions1.

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Figure 1: The Roca-Cusachs model of the molecular clutch.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vinay Swaminathan and Clare M. Waterman are at the Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8019, USA,

    Vinay Swaminathan & Clare M. Waterman

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  1. Vinay Swaminathan
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  2. Clare M. Waterman
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Correspondence to Clare M. Waterman.

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Swaminathan, V., Waterman, C. The molecular clutch model for mechanotransduction evolves. Nat Cell Biol 18, 459–461 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb3350

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