Probing mechanical principles of focal contacts in cell–matrix adhesion with a coupled stochastic–elastic

modelling framework

by Huajian Gao, Jin Qian, and Bin Chen

InterfaceVolume 8(62):1217-1232

September 7, 2011

©2011 by The Royal Society

A schematic of focal contacts in cell–ECM adhesion based on specific binding between receptors and complementary ligands.

Huajian Gao et al. J. R. Soc. Interface 2011;8:1217-1232

©2011 by The Royal Society

Schematic illustrations of the mechanical principles of focal contacts in cell–matrix adhesion.

Huajian Gao et al. J. R. Soc. Interface 2011;8:1217-1232

©2011 by The Royal Society

Dissociation–association transition between closed and open bonds.

Huajian Gao et al. J. R. Soc. Interface 2011;8:1217-1232

©2011 by The Royal Society

Effect of cluster size and applied force magnitude on the adhesion lifetime of a cluster of molecular bonds between two rigid bodies subjected to a force proportional to its size.

Huajian Gao et al. J. R. Soc. Interface 2011;8:1217-1232

©2011 by The Royal Society

A stochastic–elastic model of focal contacts illustrating the effect of adhesion size and cell–substrate elasticity on the adhesion lifetime.

Huajian Gao et al. J. R. Soc. Interface 2011;8:1217-1232

©2011 by The Royal Society

A stochastic–elastic model of focal adhesion demonstrating the effect of cell–substrate compliance in suppressing the rebinding of bonds in the absence of initial stress concentration

within the adhesion domain.

Huajian Gao et al. J. R. Soc. Interface 2011;8:1217-1232

©2011 by The Royal Society

A stochastic–elastic model of focal adhesion between an elastic fibre under pretension and a rigid substrate.

Huajian Gao et al. J. R. Soc. Interface 2011;8:1217-1232

©2011 by The Royal Society