ROLE OF ACTIN CYTOSKELETON IN MECHANOTRANSDUCTION

Abstract

Matrix rigidity sensing, or mechanosensing, regulates a large variety of cellular processes and has important implications for tissue development and disease. Various mechanisms of mechanosensing, spanning different spatial scales (molecular to cellular), have been proposed but a clear picture is yet to emerge. In this thesis, we propose that the large-scale mechanisms, mediated by actin cytoskeleton at the cellular level, play an important role in cells’ ability to sense substrate stiffness. Using both experimental and theoretical approaches, we show that the actin cytoskeleton acts as an active nematic gel that can actively adapt its rheology and organization to substrate stiffness.