Cell Adhesion and Adaptation to Physical Cues

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled "Cell Adhesion and Adaptation to Physical Cues", aims to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, and how cells sense and respond to physical properties of extracellular stimulation of the cell.

Mechanotransduction, or a cell’s ability to adapt to physical cues, occurs when cells sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their surroundings, such as stiffness, topography, and fluid shear stress. Through adhesion sites, physical forces are transmitted inward, triggering biochemical signaling pathways. For example, a stem cell placed on a soft matrix may become a nerve cell, while the same cell on a rigid matrix may differentiate into bone. This adaptation method involves restructuring the cytoskeletal components. When a cell detects high tension or stiffness, it reinforces its cytoskeleton with actin fibers to match the external resistance.

The aim of this Special Issue on Cell Adhesion and Adaptation to Physical Cues is to understand how cells interact with their environment and respond to mechanical stimuli. Key objectives include elucidating mechanotransduction pathways, enhancing tissue engineering designs, exploring developmental biology, and investigating disease mechanisms, such as cancer metastasis and fibrosis. This research seeks to improve therapeutic strategies that target adhesion mechanisms and mechanosensitivity, ultimately leading to innovations in regenerative medicine and better treatments for various health conditions. By understanding these processes, scientists can enhance tissue function and health in both normal and pathological states.

• Suggested themes and article types for submissions

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following: Mechano-signal transduction; cell adhesion; response to extracellular stimulation; cell motility and migration

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Kazuo Katoh
Guest Editor

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