Cell-matrix interactions

Intracellular forces generated from the actomyosin contractility can be transmitted to surrounding extracellular spaces. These forces can significantly remodel an extracellular matrix (ECM), but mechanisms underlying this remodeling remain unclear. It is intriguing how cells modulate the actomyosin contractility to biophysically interact with and deform extracellular environments which have various mechanical properties including viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity. We have used computational models in order to illuminate how forces from actomyosin contractility are transmitted to and remodel ECMs under various conditions.