Miguel Ángel del Pozo, Jorge Alegre-Cebollada, Carla Huerta-López, Alejandro Clemente-Manteca, Diana Velázquez-Carreras y Elías Herrero-Galán.
    Research, Publications
    A new CNIC study describes a mechanism whereby cells respond to mechanical signals from their surroundings

    The study redefines scientific understanding of how cells react to the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix, helping to explain why some tumors are more aggressive and pointing the way to improved performance of artificial tissues in biomedical applications 

    Cells use two mechanisms to detect force: one gradual and progressive mediated by newly identified large membrane depressions called dolines (left); the other abrupt, activated above a certain threshold, and mediated by minute membrane invaginations called caveolae (right).
    Research, Publications
    Nature Cell Biology: A CNIC study shows that cells possess 2 mechanisms to allow them to respond to different force ranges

    A study published in Nature Cell Biology confirms that caveolae are essential for the mechanical responses of tissues subject to large mechanical forces (such as muscle, heart, blood vessels, and fat), whereas larger membrane depressions (termed 'dolines') are important for the response to weak or medium-strength forces

    Fibroblasto embrionario murino Cav1KO (izquierda, sin caveolas) muestra un mayor reclutamiento de integrina beta 1 activa (magenta) en torno a bolitas recubiertas con fibronectina, en comparación con un fibroblasto embrionario murino Cav1WT (derecha, con caveolas).
    Research, Publications
    eLife:CNIC scientists identify the essential role of cell-surface "nanofolds" and "glue" in the mechanical response of cells

    A new study published in eLife shows that small cups or nanofolds on the cell membrane called caveolae, by limiting abrupt changes in membrane tension, regulate the number and activity of mechanical microsensors on the cell surface called integrins