This study demonstrates the importance of stem cell exerted mechanical forces on substrate-bound ECM, altering the matrix composition on these non-degradable hydrogels, and the influence of traction forces on cell-fate decisions.
The fact that photons of light carry momentum and can therefore exert mechanical force is not just an academic curiosity; such forces have already been harnessed for a variety of applications.
Thus, we favor a model where the fundamental role of ligand endocytosis is to exert mechanical force on the Notch receptor.
Is it possible that the fundamental mechanism of Notch signaling is so completely distinct in different cell types, that ligand endocytosis serves only to activate ligand via recycling in some cellular contexts, and only for exerting mechanical force on the Notch receptor in others?
AAA+ ATPases use ATP hydrolysis to undergo conformational changes and to exert mechanical force on a substrate.
Then the binding domains extend radially to separate from each other but maintain their binding surfaces facing the cavity, potentially exerting mechanical force upon kinetically trapped, misfolded substrates.
In many cases, conformational changes occurring in the individual AAA protomers during an ATPase cycle function cooperatively to change the shape of the overall hexameric ring in a manner that exerts mechanical force on their protein or nucleic acid substrates.
However, a regulated short-range motor protein-based system may be advantageous, as it provides a mechanism tethering organelles at actin-rich intracellular sites and/or exerting mechanical forces [11].
In addition to carrying energy, light transports momentum and is capable of exerting mechanical forces on objects.
These cells exchange chemical signals and even exert mechanical forces on each other that help maintain their function; they form complex structures, including bile ducts.
These findings contradict the suggestion that maternal tissues are essential to exert mechanical forces that enable DVE formation.
