Cell-Generated, Out-of-Plane Normal Forces Strongly Correlate to In-Plane Shear Forces

摘要

We developed an advanced TFM platform that allows high-resolution measurements of cell-generated normal and shear forces. We demonstrate for the first time in mammalian cells that the magnitude of normal and shear forces are correlated. The chemical and mechanical properties of the platform are easily varied thereby facilitating investigation of the role that ECM properties play in regulating the magnitude, distribution, and dynamics of cell-generated forces and the influence of these properties in mediating cell behavior.