Eva Barcelona-Estaje

1 Introduction The design of biomaterials requires a deep understanding of how cells respond to their extracellular environment during complex biological processes, whether it be to recapitulate tissues in vitro or for tissue regeneration [1, 2]. In vivo, tissues exhibit different mechanical properties due to the presence of a variety of macromolecules and cells within the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) interact with their surroundings via integrins, which link to the actin cytoskeleton and translate physical cues into biochemical signals through mechanotransduction. N-cadherins enable cell-cell communication and are also linked to the cytoskeleton. This crosstalk between integrins and cadherins modulates MSC mechanotransduction and fate.

Abstract Cells are sensitive to the physical properties of their microenvironment and transduce them into biochemical cues that trigger gene expression and alter cell behavior. Numerous proteins, including integrins, are involved in these mechanotransductive events. Here, we identify a novel role for the boron transporter NaBC1 as a mechanotransducer.