Coordination of fibronectin adhesion with contraction and relaxation in microvascular smooth muscle

Abstract

Changes in the receptor-mediated activation of the contractile apparatus cause parallel alterations in cell adhesion and cell cortical elasticity. These studies support the hypothesis that the regulation of cell adhesion is coordinated with contraction and demonstrate the dynamic nature of cell adhesion to the ECM. It is proposed that coordination of adhesion and VSMC contraction is an important mechanism that allows for an efficient transfer of force between the contractile apparatus of the cell and the extracellular environment.