Cell-cell junctions and the actin cytoskeleton are key players in the organisation and patterning of the extracellular matrix (ECM) on the apical side of tracheal cells.

Functional attachments between muscles and tendons require pentameric Thrombospondin-4, revealing novel roles both as an integrin ligand and extracellular matrix scaffold.

Age-related tendon degeneration is initiated by loss of tenocytes associated with synthesis of high-turnover rate proteoglycans and glycoproteins.

High-resolution optical microscopy is used to reveal the organization of extracellular matrix proteins within the basement membrane of the blood filtration barrier in the kidney at the nanometer scale.

Tumor stiffness blocks T cell migration in tumors.

Phase-specific mechanical and proteomic analyses reveal how tendon responds to its mechanical environment during postnatal development to meet functional requirements.

Perturbation of mechanical force at muscle attachments and its effects on tendon morphogenesis provides insights into the mechanisms underlying cellular responses to tensional force and resulting extracellular matrix production.

Theoretical predictions and experiments on multicellular aggregates indicate that the extracellular matrix acts as a mechanical sensor, which regulates cell proliferation and migration in a three-dimensional environment.

Myosin isoforms exhibit different functions in the formation of adherens junctions and the transmission of mechanical forces.

Postsynaptic MT1-MMP serves as a molecular switch to synaptogenesis by clearing the surrounding ECM environment that allows effective deposition of nerve-derived synaptogenic factors to induce postsynaptic differentiation at developing NMJs.