Résumé
Cells exert actomyosin contractility and cytoskeleton-dependent force in response to matrix stiffness cues. Cells dynamically adapt to force by modifying their behavior and remodeling their microenvironment. This adaptation is favored by integrin activation switch and their ability to modulate their clustering and the assembly of an intracellular hub in response to force. Indeed integrins are mechanoreceptors and mediate mechanotransduction by transferring forces to specific adhesion proteins into focal adhesions which are sensitive to tension and activate intracellular signals. alpha(5)beta(1) integrin is considered of major importance for the formation of an elaborate meshwork of fibronectin fibrils and for the extracellular matrix deposition and remodeling. Here we summarize recent progress in the study of mechanisms regulating the activation cycle of beta(1)integrin and the specificity of alpha(5)beta(1) integrin in mechanotransduction. (C) 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.