Focal Adhesions and Cell Mechanics

Focal adhesions help animal cells connect to the extracellular matrix and sense mechanical forces. The extracellular matrix, or ECM, sits outside cells and helps tissues withstand stress. It also sends signals from outside the cell to the inside.

The ECM is large and its makeup changes from one t...

Cell-matrix junctions such as focal adhesions are directly connected to a network of contractile proteins such as actin and myosin.

When mechanical forces pull the junctions away from a rigid extracellular matrix, the cell forms additional focal adhesions to withstand the tension.

A softer ECM generates less resistance, allowing th...