This study investigates how loss of CCM2 disrupts endothelial force balance in cerebral cavernous malformations by analyzing molecular forces and adhesion organization.

bioRxiv · Oct 16, 2026 · PreprintBiophysics

Synthetic Fibrous Hydrogels as Minimal Systems to Modulate Cell Migration Modes in 3D

Haoxiang Zhang, Guillermo Solís‐Fernández, Boris Louis, Diede Smit, Sarah Vorsselmans, Johan Hofkens, Paul H. J. Kouwer, Hongbo Yuan, Susana Rocha

This paper introduces tunable fibrous hydrogels to study how specific ligands direct different cell migration modes in 3D environments.

Acta Biomaterialia · Oct 1, 2026Peer-reviewedBiophysics

From Sensor Design to Force Maps: A Systematic Evaluation of FRET-based Vinculin Tension Sensors

Samet Aytekin, Sarah Vorsselmans, Giel Vankevelaer, Bert Poedts, Jelle Hendrix, Susana Rocha

The paper evaluates FRET-based vinculin tension sensors to determine optimal design parameters for measuring molecular forces in cells.

bioRxiv · Mar 25, 2026 · PreprintBiophysics

Linking Molecular Tension and Cellular Tractions: A Multiscale Approach to Focal Adhesion Mechanics

Samet Aytekin, Laurens Kimps, Quinten Coucke, Debora Linhares, Sarah Vorsselmans, Swaraj Deodhar, Ruth Cardinaels, Mar Cóndor, Jorge Barrasa Fano, Hans Van Oosterwyck, Susana Rocha

This study combines Traction Force Microscopy and Vinculin Tension Sensors to analyze how molecular tension and cellular tractions interact across different scales in focal adhesions.

Communications Biology · Jan 12, 2026Peer-reviewedBiophysics