Mechanotransduction and extracellular matrix homeostasis

Key Points Under steady state conditions, cells must actively maintain the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to maintain the normal function of many, if not all, tissues. Cells control ECM mechanics through degradation, synthesis, organization and pre-stress of its components. Mechanical cues from the ECM trigger signalling cascades that alter gene expression and affect various processes, including cell motility and fate. Elucidating the feedback mechanisms between cells and the ECM that maintain mechanical properties is a key question for future work. In soft connective tissues at the steady state, cells continually read environmental cues and respond to promote mechanical homeostasis of the extracellular matrix and ensure cellular and tissue health. Progress has been made into our understanding of the molecular, cellular and tissue scale responses to mechanical load that promote mechanical homeostasis. Soft connective tissues at steady state are dynamic; resident cells continually read environmental cues and respond to them to promote homeostasis, including maintenance of the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that are fundamental to cellular and tissue health. The mechanosensing process involves assessment of the mechanics of the ECM by the cells through integrins and the actomyosin cytoskeleton, and is followed by a mechanoregulation process, which includes the deposition, rearrangement or removal of the ECM to maintain overall form and function. Progress towards understanding the molecular, cellular and tissue-level effects that promote mechanical homeostasis has helped to identify key questions for future research.