The plastic cell: mechanical deformation of cells and tissues

Abstract

Epithelial cells possess the ability to change their shape in response to mechanical stress by remodelling their junctions and their cytoskeleton. This property lies at the heart of tissue morphogenesis in embryos. A key feature of embryonic cell shape changes is that they result from repeated mechanical inputs that make them partially irreversible at each step. Past work on cell rheology has rarely addressed how changes can become irreversible in a complex tissue. Here, we review new and exciting findings dissecting some of the physical principles and molecular mechanisms accounting for irreversible cell shape changes. We discuss concepts of mechanical ratchets and tension thresholds required to induce permanent cell deformations akin to mechanical plasticity. Work in different systems has highlighted the importance of actin remodelling and of E-cadherin endocytosis. We also list some novel experimental approaches to fine-tune mechanical tension, using optogenetics, magnetic beads or stretching of suspended epithelial tissues. Finally, we discuss some mathematical models that have been used to describe the quantitative aspects of accounting for mechanical cell plasticity and offer perspectives on this rapidly evolving field.

A New Framework for Investigating the Biological Basis of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 5]: Mechanical Stress, Vulnerability and Time

“…A viscoelastic material which acquires plastic properties, becomes a viscoplastic material. 56

Figure 4. Mechanical properties of a viscoelastic material . After the load has reached a constant state, the material continues to deform (Creep, 1).

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“…A viscoelastic material which acquires plastic properties, becomes a viscoplastic material. 56

Figure 4. Mechanical properties of a viscoelastic material .

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How Mechanical Forces Change the Human Endometrium during the Menstrual Cycle in Preparation for Embryo Implantation

“…Mechanotransduction describes the cellular mechanism by which cells translate mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals, which elicit responses regulating, e.g., differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis [141][142][143]. Healthy cells and tissues present viscoelastic behavior when stressed [144]. These responses are important for proper development and wound healing.…”

Crosstalk between basal extracellular matrix adhesion and building of apical architecture during morphogenesis

“…Finally, we point readers to other reviews that elaborate on specific aspects related to this work (Table 2). Chaudhuri et al, 2020;Khalilgharibi and Mao, 2021;Walma and Yamada, 2020;Fidler et al, 2018;Pastor-Pareja, 2020 Cell-cell andcell-ECM interactions Bachir et al, 2017;Dzamba and DeSimone, 2018;Klapholz and Brown, 2017;Moreno-Layseca et al, 2019;Perez-Vale andPeifer, 2020 Actin-MT interactions Dogterom andKoenderink, 2019;Voelzmann et al, 2017Biomechanics in morphogenesis Gilmour et al, 2017Kindberg et al, 2020;Kirby and Lammerding, 2018;Molnar and Labouesse, 2021;Tsata andBeis, 2020 Microtubules Muroyama andLechler, 2017;Röper, 2020Actin cytoskeleton Alekhina et al, 2017Boiero Sanders et al, 2020;Miao and Blankenship, 2020;Rottner et al, 2017 Tracheal development andbranching Hayashi andKondo, 2018;Öztürk-Çolak et al, 2016a;Ricolo et al, 2021 Dorsal closure Hayes and Solon, 2017;Kiehart et al, 2017…”