Vibrational information transfer between living cells in the extracellular matrix

The ability of cellsto transmit mechanical cues between themselvesthrough the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been recently recognized as a mechanism of long-range cell-cell communication, with implicationsin a variety of biological processes and diseases. Previous works have focused on quasi-static forces(variations over minutesto hours), whose transduction drives cellsto remodel both themselves and the ECM. However, cells can sense and respond to rapid forcesin the form of vibrations(down to milliseconds). Whether cells themselves apply and transfer information to distant cells via vibrational wavesin the ECM, is yet unknown.
We hypothesize that vibrations, primarily delivered by longitudinal waves along remodeled collagen tracks, affect the onset of fibrosisthrough information transfer between fibroblasts. Our international team of expertsin vibrational animal communication, vibration modeling, and mechanobiology will explore the
propagation of dynamic cuesthrough collagen-based materials and establish whether cells generate,sense and transfer information via vibrational waves. Manipulation of these mechanical cues may accelerate wound healing and impede fibrosis.

Vibrational information transfer between living cells in the extracellular matrix Projects