Operative Techniques in Orthopaedics
Volume 20, Issue 2 , Pages 106-109, June 2010

Cell Traction Forces (CTFs) and CTF Microscopy Applications in Musculoskeletal Research

  • James H.-C. Wang, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress reprint requests to James H.-C. Wang, PhD, Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, MechanoBiology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, 210 Lothrop St, BST, E1640, Pittsburgh, PA

Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, MechanoBiology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Most connective tissue cells (eg, tendon and ligament cells) attach to extracellular matrix and exert so-called cell traction forces (CTFs) on the extracellular matrix. CTFs are essential for many cellular functions, such as maintenance of cell shape, cell motility, and cell communication. Therefore, many techniques have been developed over the years to measure CTFs to better understand tissue physiology and pathology. This article provides a brief review of CTF in terms of its generation and transmission and also CTF measurement techniques, with a focus on CTF microscopy (CTFM). Examples of using CTFM to determine CTFs are given to illustrate various applications of CTFM. Finally, the potential applications of CTFM in musculoskeletal research are suggested.

Keywords: cell traction forces, measurement techniques, musculoskeletal

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 Supported by NIH grants AR049921 and AR049921-S2 (J.H.-C.W.).

PII: S1048-6666(09)00147-5

doi:10.1053/j.oto.2009.10.007

Operative Techniques in Orthopaedics
Volume 20, Issue 2 , Pages 106-109, June 2010

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