Work

Cell niche properties as tuned by physical factors: ECM proteins as mechanochemical switches

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: The discovery that proteins can act as mechanochemical switches lies at the core of the new field of mechanobiology. Nanotools enabled to establish that structural changes induced by mechanical stress or mechano-regulated proteolytic activity alter the accessibility or presentation of binding sites and thereby modulate cellular functions. Current research highlights extracellular matrix (ECM) fiber tension as a powerful modulator of cell functions, with significant implications for tissue pathology and potential applications in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. With the goal of developing mechanopharmaceuticals, this current opinion aims to discuss emerging insights into mechanochemical switches in the ECM and how alterations in their tensional states can influence cellular behavior and disease progression.

Source: Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2025.100600

Authors: Arnaud Miéville, Viola Vogel

Institutions: ETH Zurich, Institute of Translational Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,830