Fibronectin Unfolding and Cell Traction
Author Information
Author(s): Gee Elaine P. S., Ingber Donald E., Stultz Collin M.
Primary Institution: Harvard University
Hypothesis
How do cell traction forces influence the unfolding of fibronectin's 10th type-III repeat?
Conclusion
Cell traction forces induce a specific unfolding pathway in fibronectin that facilitates its fibrillogenesis and affects integrin binding.
Supporting Evidence
- Cell-generated traction forces are necessary for fibronectin fibrillogenesis.
- Unfolding at the RGD site requires less work than at the N- and C-termini.
- A unique unfolding pathway is followed when pulling at the RGD site.
Takeaway
Cells pull on fibronectin to help it unfold, which is important for building the structure that supports tissues. This pulling also helps cells detach and move.
Methodology
Steered molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the mechanical unfolding of fibronectin's 10th type-III repeat under tensile forces.
Limitations
The study focused on a single fibronectin module in isolation, not accounting for interactions with other ECM components.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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