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2.785

Cell-Matrix Mechanics

3-0-9 units · Graduate

Mechanical forces play a decisive role during development of tissues and organs, during remodeling following injury as well as in normal function. A stress field influences cell function primarily through deformation of the extracellular matrix to which cells are attached. Deformed cells express different biosynthetic activity relative to undeformed cells. The unit cell process paradigm combined with topics in connective tissue mechanics form the basis for discussions of several topics from cell biology, physiology, and medicine.

Fall 2016

This course teaches the effects of mechanical forces (strains) on cells and how cells generate mechanical forces by their contraction. Critical to both topics is the mechanical behavior of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which the cells have synthesized and remodeled. The ECM affects cell behavior by mediating exogenous mechanical strains, which stimulate certain cellular processes.

Fall 2014

Topics

  • Clinical Examples of the Roles of Mechanical Forces in Tissues and Organs: The Working Paradigms
  • Unit Cell Processes
  • Tissue Structures and Cell-Matrix Interactions: Integrins
  • Effects of Exogenous Mechanical Forces on Cells/Tissues
  • Effects of Pressure Waves on Tissue: Extracorporeal Shock Waves
  • Support Structures: Molecules and Tissues
  • Thermodynamics of ECM Deformation
  • Student Presentations: Term Report Candidate Topics; Review
  • Student Presentations: Term Report Topic Description
  • Endogenous Mechanical Force Generation by Cells
  • Models for Cell Contraction In Vitro
  • Linear Elastic Models of Tissues
  • Mechanical Coupling of Cells with Matrix
  • Integrin-Ligand Interactions during Regeneration
  • Student Presentations: Term Report Progress
  • Mechanical Behavior of Bone and Response to Loading
  • Poroelastic Models. Cartilage
  • Cardiac Muscle Cell Contraction Guest lecturer: Dr. Yvonne Aratyn-Schaus
  • Viscoelastic Behavior. Skin and Cartilage
  • Viscoelastic Behavior. Skin and Cartilage (cont.)
  • Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Mechanics; Term Report Due
  • Mechanics of Tendon and Skin; Review

Readings

Prerequisites & course information

Same subject as HST.523[J] Prereq: ( Biology (GIR) , Chemistry (GIR) , and 2.001 ) or permission of instructor G (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

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