Quantifying Traction Stresses in Adherent Cells

摘要: Contractile force generation plays a critical role in cell adhesion, migration, and extracellular matrix reorganization both 2D 3D environments. Characterization of cellular forces has led to greater understanding mechanosensing, tissue formation, disease progression. Methods characterize traction stresses now date back over 30 years, they have matured from qualitative comparisons cell-mediated substrate movements high-resolution, highly quantitative measures force. Here, we will provide an overview common methods used measure microenvironments. Specific focus be placed on microscopy, which the exerted by cells planar substrates, use confocal reflectance can quantify collagen fibril compaction as metric for forces. In addition providing experimental analyze forces, discuss application these techniques large range biomedical problems some significant challenges that still remain this field.