Cells, Forces, and the Microenvironment

ISBN-13: 9789814613361 / Angielski / Twarda / 2015 / 406 str.

Charles M. Cuerrier; Andrew E. Pelling

Opis

With the recent development of new experimental approaches and methodologies, it is becoming clear that cells and tissues are not regulated by biochemical signals alone. Indeed, physical cues arising in the biological microenvironment are directly coupled to the biochemical regulation of living systems. This book provides a broad overview of how mechanical forces and properties govern diverse aspects of physiological and pathological processes. It also covers new emerging techniques developed to study complex biosystems such as microfluidics, traction force microscopy, and the development of novel biomaterials for tissue engineering. Importantly, the chapters in this book are not limited to applications in animal cell biology but also cover important dimensions in other kingdoms such as plants and bacteria. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the roles that physical cues play in governing diverse forms of life, with an eye on the development of fundamental new knowledge, potential applications in biosensors, and novel biomedical technologies.

Spis treści

Micromechanical Cues Converging on Fibroblasts, Cardiac Myocytes and Stem Cells. How Microbes Sense and Respond to Force: a Single-Molecule View. Modulating Cell Adhesion by Non-Covalent Ligand Attachment. Traction Microscopy. The Mechanical Regulation of Myofibroblasts. Mechanically Guided Matrix Remodeling and Prevention of Fibrosis in Regenerative Medicine. Interstitial Fluid Flow Mechanosensing: Mechanisms and Consequences. Mechanical Properties of Cytoskeletal Structures and their Response to Externally Applied Forces. Shape and Mechanical Cues Underlying Cellular Homeostasis in Soft Organs. Muscle Contraction and Sarcomere Length Non-Uniformities. Microfluidic Modeling of Cancer Metastasis. Engineering Strategies to Recapitulate the Tumor Microenvironment. Micropost Methods for Cell Biomechanics of the Cardiovascular System. Dynamic Mechanical Environments to Quantify and Control Cellular Dynamics. Tip Growth in Walled Cells: Cellular Expansion and Invasion Mechanisms. Expansive Growth of Cells with Walls: Force Generation and Growth Regulation.