Local Shear Suppresses Cell Motion in Stiff Epithelia

This paper investigates the effects of localized shear stress on epithelial cell behavior, a crucial aspect of understanding tissue mechanics. The study's significance lies in its mesoscopic approach, bridging the gap between micro- and macro-scale analyses. The findings highlight how mechanical perturbations can propagate through tissues, influencing cell dynamics and potentially impacting tissue function. The use of a novel mesoscopic probe to apply local shear is a key methodological advancement.

• •Localized shear stress can significantly impact cell behavior in epithelial tissues.
• •The stiffness of the tissue plays a crucial role in how shear stress affects cell dynamics.
• •Shear-induced migratory suppression is linked to changes in cell shape and a shift towards a lower-energy state.
• •The study provides insights into how mechanical perturbations propagate through tissues.