Cell-Cell Interactions and the Mechanics of Cells and Tissues Observed in Bioartificial Tissue Constructs

摘要: Mechanical interactions among cells in living tissues play central roles several physiologic and pathologic phenomena. A large body of work from the mechanical study bioartificial tissue constructs sheds light on these interactions. This chapter summarizes models used to derive responses then presents examples three classes biophysical observations that can be understood through simplified analysis between cells. The first observation is effective behavior cells: contractile fibroblast appear modulate both their stiffness extracellular matrix which they are embedded a way regulated by volume fraction within construct; have matched relaxed moduli approximately 10–20 kPa when construct associated with percolation threshold. Additionally, proliferate or die off reach this fraction. second ensemble average properties sub-cellular protein structures, fibroblasts exist at above threshold, dynamic behaviors cytoskeletons evident mechanics as whole. third pathological effects cell-cell interactions: containing cardiomyocytes proliferative cardiac serve model fibrosis heart.