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COMMENTARY
Biological processes involved in mechanical force transmission in connective tissue: Linking bridges for new therapeutic applications in the rehabilitative field
1 UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
2 Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
* Corresponding Author: STEFANO BONOMI. Email:
BIOCELL 2025, 49(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.32604/biocell.2024.058418
Received 12 September 2024; Accepted 09 December 2024; Issue published 24 January 2025
Abstract
Connective tissue is a dynamic structure that reacts to environmental cues to maintain homeostasis, including mechanical properties. Mechanical load influences extracellular matrix (ECM)—cell interactions and modulates cellular behavior. Mechano-regulation processes involve matrix modification and cell activation to preserve tissue function. The ECM remodeling is crucial for force transmission. Cytoskeleton components are involved in force sensing and transmission, affecting cellular adhesion, motility, and gene expression. Proper mechanical loading helps to maintain tissue health, while imbalances may lead to pathological processes. Active and passive movement, including manual mobilization, improves connective tissue elasticity, promotes ECM-cell homeostasis, and reduces fibrosis. In rehabilitation, understanding mechanical-regulation processes is necessary for ameliorating and developing treatments aimed at preserving tissue elasticity and preventing fibrosis. In this commentary, we aim to globally describe the biological processes involved in mechanical force transmission in connective tissue as support for translational studies and clinical applications in the rehabilitation field.Graphic Abstract

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