Biomechanical regulation of mesenchymal cell function.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Cells of mesenchymal origin are strongly influenced by their biomechanical environment. They also help to shape tissue architecture and reciprocally influence tissue mechanical environments through their capacity to deposit, remodel, and resorb extracellular matrix and to promote tissue vascularization. Although mechanical regulation of cell function and tissue remodeling has long been appreciated in other contexts, the purpose of this review is to highlight the increasing appreciation of its importance in fibrosis and hypertrophic scarring.

Recent findings

Experiments in both animal and cellular model systems have demonstrated pivotal roles for the biomechanical environment in regulating myofibroblast differentiation and contraction, endothelial barrier fu

SUBMITTER: Tschumperlin DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5056746 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature