|
|
Studies in collaboration with A. Bershadsky demonstrated that application of force to focal adhesions induces their growth and/or apparent migration. These observations stimulated the development of several theoretical models, based on different physical considerations (in collaboration with S. Safran (WIS), and M. Kozlov (TAU)). Masha Khoutorsky is currently studying the role of formins in this process (in collaboration with A. Bershadsky). Ronen Zaidel-Bar showed that exposure of cells to shear stress induces increase in the size of “upstream adhesions”, stimulation of local dephosphorylation of paxillin and Cas, and local inactivation of Rac1, leading to cell polarization. Modulation of cell-generated contractile forces is also investigated by Ilana Sabanay (in collaboration with P. Kaufman, U. Wisconsin) in conjunction with the regulation of intra-ocular pressure, and the possibile use of that principle for glaucoma therapy. |
