Dissecting cellular mechanics: Implications for aging, cancer, and immunity

Michael J Harris; Denis Wirtz; Pei-Hsun Wu

doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.10.008

Dissecting cellular mechanics: Implications for aging, cancer, and immunity

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2019 Sep:93:16-25. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.10.008. Epub 2018 Oct 30.

Authors

Michael J Harris¹, Denis Wirtz², Pei-Hsun Wu³

Affiliations

¹ Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences - Oncology Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
² Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences - Oncology Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
³ Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences - Oncology Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 30359779
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.10.008

Abstract

Cells are dynamic structures that must respond to complex physical and chemical signals from their surrounding environment. The cytoskeleton is a key mediator of a cell's response to the signals of both the extracellular matrix and other cells present in the local microenvironment and allows it to tune its own mechanical properties in response to these cues. A growing body of evidence suggests that altered cellular viscoelasticity is a strong indicator of disease state; including cancer, laminopathy (genetic disorders of the nuclear lamina), infection, and aging. Here, we review recent work on the characterization of cell mechanics in disease and discuss the implications of altered viscoelasticity in regulation of immune responses. Finally, we provide an overview of techniques for measuring the mechanical properties of cells deeply embedded within tissues.

Keywords: Cancer; Cell mechanics; Cell microenvironment; Cellular viscoelasticity; Immunology.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aging*
Cells* / immunology
Cells* / pathology
Humans
Immunity*
Neoplasms / pathology*
Viscosity

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

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