2025/01/24 by Mohammad Amin Eskandari, Jannis Fischer, Eskandari, Mohammad Amin +7 · 1 voice · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Biology #Cell biology #Cellular Mechanics and Interactions #Computer science #Computer security #Function (biology) #Intracellular #Key (lock) #Mechanics #Physics #q-bio.SC
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2501.14538
published in arXiv (Cornell University) (Cornell University)
openalex publication_date 2025/01/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/06
While mechanobiology has demonstrated that precise control over mechanical properties at the whole-cell level is crucial for many biological functions, comparatively little attention has been paid to the intracellular mechanical properties. Experimental tools have only recently become available to adequately measure the viscoelasticity and activity of the cytosol, revealing, revealing that the active, non-equilibrium nature of the intracellular environment must be carefully considered. To explore the interplay between active forces and viscoelastic properties, it is helpful to consider our current understanding of intracellular active mechanics. In this review, we aim not only to provide an intuitive and quantitative introduction to the relevant physical concepts, but also to offer an overview of the proteins that establish intracellular active mechanics, highlighting their spatial and temporal variation with a particular focus on the role of activity. Although we are only beginning to uncover the importance of intracellular active mechanics for cellular mechanisms, it is increasingly clear that these properties must be precisely regulated to ensure proper cellular function.