Mechanobiology of cells and tissues

J.F. Stoltz

Abstract: All cells in the human body are subjected to mechanical stresses. These forces can vary from Pascals (shear stress on the vessel wall) to Mega Pascals (on hip cartilage). It is now known that mechanical forces have a decisive effect on cellular physiology. However, although the biological effects of mechanical forces are well documented, the relation between mechanical stress and physiological phenomena is mainly unknown (mechanotransduction phenomenon). In this paper, some effects of mechanical stresses on different cells (endothelial cells, vascular or muscular cells, chondrocyte, etc.) are summarized.

Keywords: cells; Mechanobiology; tissue

Date published: 2013-03-09