Equilibrium and Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamic Processes in Cell–Matrix Interactions

Abstract

Complex and multi-scale processes regulate the mechanical and chemical interactions between cells and matrices. These dynamic interactions play an essential role in the mediation and regulation of a series of physiological processes including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and bi-directional signal transduction. The majority of these interactions are regulated by transmembrane heterodimeric integrin receptors. While the structure and function of integrin receptors have been studied in some detail, the fundamental thermodynamic processes mediating integrin receptors are the major mediators in cell–membrane interactions. To fully understand the equilibrium and non-equilibrium processes involving receptors, ligands, and solvents, a quantitative description of receptor mediated cell–matrix interactions is critical. This review presents recent progress in the area of the quantification of the interactions at the cell–matrix interface in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions in a variety of physiological scenarios.