Cell Adhesion and ECM Interaction

This lecture covers the process of cell adhesion, where cells interact and attach to neighbouring cells through specialized molecules on the cell surface, including tight junctions, adherens junctions, and desmosomes. It also explores the adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through focal adhesions, integrins, and the signaling pathways involved. The lecture delves into the mechanical sensors that cells use to interact with the ECM, the effect of stiffness on cell differentiation, and the development of artificial matrices for tissue engineering, emphasizing the importance of dynamic cues for cell behavior.