The molecular clutch model for mechanotransduction evolves

Abstract

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.

Figure 1

The Roca-Cusachs model of the molecular clutch. (a) An overview of the mechanosensitive molecular clutch model, as proposed in the current study. (b) On soft substrates, the rate of load transmission is slower than the integrin–ECM bond lifetime, resulting in bond dissociation before talin can unfold or vinculin can bind. (c) On stiff substrates, load is transmitted faster than the integrin–ECM bond lifetime, resulting in talin unfolding, vinculin binding and actin-mediated reinforcement.