Mechanical aspects of cell shape regulation and signaling

Physical forces play a critical role in cell integrity and development, but little is known how cells convert mechanical signals into biochemical responses. This mini-review examines potential molecular mediators like integrins, focal adhesion proteins, and the cytoskeleton in the context of a complex cell structure. These molecules when activated by cell binding to the extracellular matrix-associate with the skeletal scaffold via the focal adhesion complex. Vinculin is presented as a mechanical coupling protein that contributes to the integrity of the cytoskeleton and cell shape control, and examples are given of how mechanical signals converge into biochemical responses through force-dependent changes in cell geometry and molecular mechanics. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.