Department of Biotechnology
inStem (Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine)

Mechanotransduction through adhesion molecules: Emerging roles in regulating the stem cell niche.

Publication Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

January 1, 2022

Journal

Frontiers in cell and developmental biology

Volume/Issue

10

ISSN

2296-634X

Stem cells have been shown to play an important role in regenerative medicine due to their proliferative and differentiation potential. The challenge, however, lies in regulating and controlling their potential for this purpose. Stem cells are regulated by growth factors as well as an array of biochemical and mechanical signals. While the role of biochemical signals and growth factors in regulating stem cell homeostasis is well explored, the role of mechanical signals has only just started to be investigated. Stem cells interact with their niche or to other stem cells via adhesion molecules that eventually transduce mechanical cues to maintain their homeostatic function. Here, we present a comprehensive review on our current understanding of the influence of the forces perceived by cell adhesion molecules on the regulation of stem cells. Additionally, we provide insights on how this deeper understanding of mechanobiology of stem cells has translated toward therapeutics.

Alternate Journal

Front Cell Dev Biol

PubMed ID

36172276

PubMed Central ID

PMC9511051

Authors

Ryan Lim
Avinanda Banerjee
Ritusree Biswas
Anana Nandakumar Chari
Srikala Raghavan