Time to Relax: Mechanical Stress Release Guides Stem Cell Responses

Stem cells integrate spatiotemporal cues, including the mechanical properties of their microenvironment, into their fate decisions. Chaudhuri et al. (2015) show that the ability of the extracellular matrix to dissipate cell-induced forces, referred to as stress-relaxation, is a key mechanical signal influencing stem cell fate and function. Stem cells integrate spatiotemporal cues, including the mechanical properties of their microenvironment, into their fate decisions. Chaudhuri et al. (2015) show that the ability of the extracellular matrix to dissipate cell-induced forces, referred to as stress-relaxation, is a key mechanical signal influencing stem cell fate and function.