Stress-induced plasticity of dynamic collagen networks

Jihan Kim, Jingchen Feng, Christopher A. R. Jones, Xiaoming Mao, Leonard M. Sander, Herbert Levine () and Bo Sun ()
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Jihan Kim: Oregon State University
Jingchen Feng: Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University
Christopher A. R. Jones: Oregon State University
Xiaoming Mao: University of Michigan
Leonard M. Sander: Physics and Complex Systems, University of Michigan
Herbert Levine: Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University
Bo Sun: Oregon State University

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract The structure and mechanics of tissues is constantly perturbed by endogenous forces originated from cells, and at the same time regulate many important cellular functions such as migration, differentiation, and growth. Here we show that 3D collagen gels, major components of connective tissues and extracellular matrix (ECM), are significantly and irreversibly remodeled by cellular traction forces, as well as by macroscopic strains. To understand this ECM plasticity, we develop a computational model that takes into account the sliding and merging of ECM fibers. We have confirmed the model predictions with experiment. Our results suggest the profound impacts of cellular traction forces on their host ECM during development and cancer progression, and suggest indirect mechanical channels of cell-cell communications in 3D fibrous matrices.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01011-7

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