The interplay between chemistry and mechanics in the transduction of a mechanical signal into a biochemical function

Abstract

Abstract:There are many processes in biology in which mechanical forces are generated. Force-bearing networks can transduce locally developed mechanical signals very extensively over different parts of the cell or tissues. In this article we conduct an overview of this kind of mechanical transduction, focusing in particular on the multiple layers of complexity displayed by the mechanisms that control and trigger the conversion of a mechanical signal into a biochemical function. Single molecule methodologies, through their capability to introduce the force in studies of biological processes in which mechanical stresses are developed, are unveiling subtle intertwining mechanisms between chemistry and mechanics and in particular are revealing how chemistry can control mechanics. The possibility that chemistry interplays with mechanics should be always considered in biochemical studies.

Can Dissipative Properties of Single Molecules Be Extracted from a Force Spectroscopy Experiment?

“…During the last half a century or so, the importance of the elastic and dissipative properties of biomolecules has been widely recognized in the life sciences community, and a number of excellent reviews have been published (see, e.g., (1)(2)(3), to cite only a few). Here, we speak not only about such naturally evident aspects as, say, muscle proteins, molecular motors, and the conversion of an external stress into a biochemical signal and its transmission, but also about the much more general influence of the applied force on virtually all characteristics of life, including mechanically induced phase transitions and mechanical activation (or deactivation) of biochemical reactions.…”

Stretching of red blood cells using an electro-optics trap

“…The deformability of cells is sensitively matched to their physiological role and plays crucially important roles to maintain their function, via e.g. mechanochemical coupling mechanisms [3]. Changes in the elastic properties of the cells are often related to malfunctions; therefore they may be used as a cell marker and a diagnostic parameter for the underlying diseases.…”

Stable Non‐Covalent Large Area Patterning of Inert Teflon‐AF Surface: A New Approach to Multiscale Cell Guidance

“…Bottom-up approaches are better suited for achieving the spatial control of surface chemistry, [6] enabling the integration of different materials, and allowing the simultaneous control of topological, mechanical and chemical properties. [7][8][9][10][11] A strategy extensively explored for the control of cell fate is based on the fabrication of neighboring surface features exhibiting opposite cell anchoring properties. Cell adhesion, growth, and migration are guided through the creation of a pattern of antifouling regions co-existing with regions favoring cell growth.…”