The role of extracellular matrix viscoelasticity in development and disease
Olivia Courbot, Alberto Elósegui-Artola
Abstract
For several decades, research has studied the influence of the extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical properties in cell response, primarily emphasising its elasticity as the main determinant of cell and tissue behaviour. However, the ECM is not purely elastic; it is viscoelastic. ECM viscoelasticity has now emerged as a major regulator of collective cell dynamics. This review highlights recent findings on the role of ECM viscoelasticity in development and pathology.
Topics & Concepts
Extracellular matrixViscoelasticityElasticity (physics)CellCell biologyBiologyMaterials scienceComposite materialGeneticsCellular Mechanics and InteractionsCell Adhesion Molecules ResearchTendon Structure and Treatment