Cellular and respiratory biomechanics
Senior Researcher
Ed. Hèlix | Baldiri Reixac, 10-12 | 08028 | Barcelona
T. +34 934 020 863
Email : proca
ibecbarcelona.eu
Every time we blink, move a hand, draw a breath, or walk, cells in our body exert, transmit, withstand, and detect forces. This mechanical interaction with the environment determines how cells proliferate, differentiate, and move, and regulates development, tumorigenesis, or wound healing. Just like biochemical stimuli initiate signaling cascades, mechanical forces affect the links and conformation of a network of molecules connecting cells to the extracellular matrix. Our research aims precisely at unraveling the mechanisms that these molecules use to detect and respond to forces, triggering downstream cell responses. To this end, we combine biophysical techniques like magnetic tweezers or Atomic Force Microscopy with molecular biology and advanced optical microscopy. Using this approach, we have for instance revealed the different integrins are adapted to sensing versus resisting forces (Roca-Cusachs et al., PNAS; 2009) or that talin molecules can detect forces by stretching and exposing cryptic binding sites to vinculin (del Rio et al., Science, 2009). Ultimately, when we determine the molecular mechanisms that communicate cells with their environment, we will understand how forces determine development when things go right, and tumor formation when they go wrong.
Publications
- Roca-Cusachs, P., Iskratsch, T. & Sheetz, M. P. (2012). Finding the weakest link: exploring integrin-mediated mechanical molecular pathways. J. Cell Sci., In press.
- Ghassemi, S., Meacci, G., Liu, S., Gondarenko, A. A., Mathur, A., Roca-Cusachs, P., Sheetz, M. P. & Hone, J. (2012). Cells test substrate rigidity by local contractions on sub-micrometer pillars. PNAS, In press.
- Gaulthier, N., Fardin, M., Roca-Cusachs, P. & Sheetz, M. (2011). Temporary increase in plasma membrane tension coordinates the activation of exocytosis and contraction during cell spreading. PNAS, 108(35), 14467-72.
- Lynch, C., Gaulthier, N., Biais, N., M., L. A., Roca-Cusachs, P., Yu, C.-H. & Sheetz, M. (2011). Filamin depletion blocks endoplasmic spreading and destabilizes force-bearing adhesions. Mol Biol Cell, 22(8), 1263–1273.
- Mathur, A., Roca-Cusachs, P., Rossier, O., Wind, S., Sheetz, M. & Hone, J. (2011). New approach for measuring protrusive forces in cells. Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B: Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures, 29(06FA02).
