Mechanical Cues Direct Focal Adhesion Dynamics

Focal adhesions play a fundamental role in force sensing, which influences a variety of cellular processes and functions, particularly migration and the cell cycle. They consist of large macromolecular assemblies of proteins that associate with integrins, in order to serve as anchor points between the cell and the extracellular matrix. These dynamic regions act as a hub for sensing and transmission of mechanical cues between cells and their surrounding microenvironments. A number of techniques have been used to study focal adhesions, including optical microscopy, substrate micropatterning techniques, and tools which can directly manipulate cells, such as the atomic force microscope. Mechanical stimulation of cells leads to changes in cell contractility, stress fiber remodeling, and focal adhesion position and size; several of the responses explored in this chapter.