Inelastic behaviour of collagen networks in cell-matrix interactions and mechanosensation.

ABSTRACT: The mechanical properties of extracellular matrix proteins strongly influence cell-induced tension in the matrix, which in turn influences cell function. Despite progress on the impact of elastic behaviour of matrix proteins on cell-matrix interactions, little is known about the influence of inelastic behaviour, especially at the large and slow deformations that characterize cell-induced matrix remodelling. We found that collagen matrices exhibit deformation rate-dependent behaviour, which leads to a transition from pronounced elastic behaviour at fast deformations to substantially inelastic behaviour at slow deformations (1 μm min(-1), similar to cell-mediated deformation). With slow deformations, the inelastic behaviour of floating gels was sensitive to collagen concentration, whereas at

SUBMITTER: Mohammadi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4277099 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature