Cells embedded inside these synthetic hydrogels and using their own MMPs showed a similar response, spreading less in the cell-degradable (CD) gels than the non-degradable (ND) gels.

Cells sensed these MMP-induced changes in stress relaxation, spreading less and forming fewer and smaller focal adhesions.

To verify that cells were actually sensing the changes in stress relaxation caused by MMPs, we engineered a synthetic hydrogel with MMP-degradable peptides. When treated with increasing amounts of MMPs, its stiffness doesn't change, but it relaxes faster, like the natural ECM.

Cells sensed the MMP treated ECM, spreading less that they normally do on the untreated ECM.

and the mechanics of the ECM. Increasing MMPs didn't change the stiffness of the ECM, but did increase its stress relaxing behavior.

In this study, the incredibly talented @badz_nithin asked whether the small cuts in the ECM cells make with their MMPs change the mechanics of the environment in a way that cells can feel...a feedback loop! We found that even small amounts of MMPs change the architecture...

Cells do this in multiple ways, including by using enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to trim away at their environment, the extracellular matrix (ECM).

📢Paper alert: Matrix degradation enhances stress relaxation, regulating cell adhesion and spreading | PNAS. Often our studies focus on how the mechanics of the environment impact cell behavior...but it's a two-way street...cells can also effect changes on their environment.

We’re looking for three new members of the SIG council, nominate someone or apply yourself here:

A cellular Potts model (CPM) predicts these dependencies and lends new insight into how we might control collective cell migration and tissue-level structure formation. Lots of implications for #organoids and #Cancer