ABSTRACT
All cells in the body are subjected to mechanical forces that are either self-generated or originate from the environment. Depending on their location within the body, cells may be selectively exposed to various forces such as pressure, fluid shear stress, stretch, and compression. These externally applied mechanical forces play a significant role in normal tissue homeostasis and remodeling. For example, gravitational compressive forces control bone deposition, mechanical loads on skeletal muscle determine muscle mass, and blood flow-associated mechanical forces regulate the homeostasis of vascular walls [1-3]. All external forces that impinge on cells are imposed on a dynamic backdrop of various internally generated forces necessary for carrying out fundamental cellular events (e.g., cell division and migration). When cells sense a change in their net external loading, they actively alter their internal forces to counteract external forces. There is growing recognition that the balance between internally generated forces and externally applied forces is a key determinant of cell fate [1,4].
