Mechanical forces determine cell competition outcomes, study finds

A new study reveals that mechanical forces play a crucial role in cell competition, where stronger cells eliminate weaker ones. Researchers found that cells capable of exerting greater mechanical force, particularly through the protein E-cadherin, have a survival advantage. This research challenges previous beliefs that winner cells simply compress loser cells. Instead, it shows that fluctuations in mechanical stress at cell interfaces are key to the elimination process. The findings suggest that the ability to transmit force is a primary factor in determining cell competition outcomes. The study, conducted by an international team, combines mechanical measurements with biological interventions to explore how cells interact physically. This insight could impact understanding of various biological processes, including tissue health and cancer development.