How Tissue Stiffness Shapes Cell Reactions

A groundbreaking study from the Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) in Madrid has uncovered a surprising link between memory foam mattresses and the behavior of biological cells. The research reveals that viscoelasticity, the ability of materials like memory foam to compress and return to their original form, is a critical but underexplored property of tissues that is essential for proper cell function. Cells require both biochemical and mechanical signals to operate effectively.

Led by Dr. Jorge Alegre-Cebollada, the study focuses on how the extracellular matrix (ECM), a protein network that connects and supports cells, affects cellular behavior. The ECM regulates important processes like cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation through its mechanical traits, such as stiffness and viscoelasticity. Alterations in the ECM’s rigidity have been tied to diseases like coronary artery disease and certain cancers, but its role in viscoelasticity has been less understood.

The research highlights that ECM viscoelasticity plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, helping cells retain internal balance for proper function. It suggests that tissue viscoelasticity controls the timing of how cells react to mechanical changes, offering an explanation for why some tumors grow more aggressively. This study also points to potential advancements in the development of artificial tissues for biomedical uses.

By creating biomaterials that replicate the mechanical behavior of the ECM, the team discovered that viscoelasticity governs the speed at which cells respond to mechanical forces. Similar to how memory foam slowly regains its shape, cells also need time to recover from physical impacts. These findings challenge existing models and offer fresh insights into how cells sense and react to their mechanical surroundings.