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Tensegrity II. How structural networks influence cellular information processing networksThe major challenge in biology today is biocomplexity: the need to explain how cell and tissue behaviors emerge from collective interactions within complex molecular networks. Part I of this two-part article, described a mechanical model of cell structure based on tensegrity architecture that explains how the mechanical behavior of the cell emerges from physical interactions among the different molecular filament systems that form the cytoskeleton. Recent work shows that the cytoskeleton also orients much of the cell's metabolic and signal transduction machinery and that mechanical distortion of cells and the cytoskeleton through cell surface integrin receptors can profoundly affect cell behavior. In particular, gradual variations in this single physical control parameter (cell shape distortion) can switch cells between distinct gene programs (e.g. growth, differentiation and apoptosis), and this process can be viewed as a biological phase transition. Part II of this article covers how combined use of tensegrity and solid-state mechanochemistry by cells may mediate mechanotransduction and facilitate integration of chemical and physical signals that are responsible for control of cell behavior. In addition, it examines how cell structural networks affect gene and protein signaling networks to produce characteristic phenotypes and cell fate transitions during tissue development.
Document ID
20040087789
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Ingber, Donald E.
(Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Enders 1007, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
April 15, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of cell science
Volume: 116
Issue: Pt 8
ISSN: 0021-9533
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Review
NASA Program Fundamental Space Biology
Review, Tutorial
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Cell Biology

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