Abstract:
The ability of cells to perceive the mechanics and nanostructure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) relies on the activity of a number of intracellular proteins, collectively defined as mechanosome.
By modifying the expression, the interaction or the localization of such proteins, the cell dynamically responds to modifications in ECM compliance and nanotopography by activating specific genetic programs. Among the intracellular proteins acting as mechanosensors, those composing the Focal Adhesions (FAs) and the effectors of Hippo pathway YAP/TAZ have been recently described as the main actors.
Here, while confirming that both FAs and YAP/TAZ respond to substrate mechanics, we demonstrate that they are sensitive to dynamic modifications of substrate nanotopography by rearranging their structure or their localization. [..]
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