Cellular decision making at the nanoscale

The well-established dependence of cell traction forces on the compliance of supporting matrices has been attributed to levels of force exerted on components in focal contacts. Here, use of novel, force-limited nanoscale tension gauges revealed that both force and substrate deformations govern cell decision-making during initial attachment to compliant substrates. We propose a mechanical model consistent with observed behavior. Upon formation of stable cell contacts, bond tension and tether rupture govern cell attachment, spreading, and focal adhesion maturation at force levels on individual receptors predicted by prior studies.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Bioengineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2017

Author dc:creator

• Rahil, Zainab

Contributors dc:contributor

• Leckband, Deborah
• Ha, Taekjip

• Cell adhesion

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2017 Zainab Rahil

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/98323

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/98323