M. P. Sheetz

Nano-clusters of ligand-activated integrins organize immobile, signalling active, nano-clusters of phosphorylated FAK required for mechanosignalling in focal adhesions

This study shows that nanoclusters of integrins organize phosphorylated FAK nanoclusters in focal adhesions, which are required for mechanosignalling and disassemble in response to inactivation signals.

Intrinsic self-organization of integrin nanoclusters within focal adhesions is required for cellular mechanotransduction

The paper shows that integrin nanoclusters self-organize within focal adhesions at an optimal distance to enable mechanotransduction, with cytoplasmic factors like talin and FHOD1 playing key roles.

Optogenetic manipulation of YAP cellular localisation and function

This paper develops optoYAP, an optogenetic tool to control YAP localization and function, showing it can regulate gene expression, proliferation, and growth in cell culture and zebrafish embryos.

α-catenin links integrin adhesions to F-actin to regulate ECM mechanosensing and rigidity-dependence

This study shows α-catenin links integrin adhesions to F-actin, regulating ECM mechanosensing and rigidity dependence through interactions with vinculin and effects on adhesion maturation and force transmission.

Mechanosensitive calcium signaling in filopodia

This study shows that stretching forces trigger Ca2+ influx through L-type channels in filopodia, causing persistent Ca2+ oscillations that influence cell migration.

Adaptive mechanoproperties characterize glioblastoma fitness for invasion

The paper identifies FMN1 as a driver of glioblastoma invasiveness by linking it to increased cell stiffness, mechanical forces, and stochastic motility.

Local Contractions Regulate E-Cadherin Adhesions, Rigidity Sensing and Epithelial Cell Sorting

The paper shows that local contractions regulate E-cadherin adhesions, rigidity sensing, and epithelial cell sorting through mechanical testing of neighboring cells.

Force dependence of filopodia adhesion: involvement of myosin II and formins

This study investigates how forces affect filopodia adhesion, showing that myosin IIA and formins are essential for force-dependent adhesion and substrate preference.