Mechanoregulation of Wound Healing and Skin Homeostasis

Abstract

Basic and clinical studies on mechanobiology of cells and tissues point to the importance of mechanical forces in the process of skin regeneration and wound healing. These studies result in the development of new therapies that use mechanical force which supports effective healing. A better understanding of mechanobiology will make it possible to develop biomaterials with appropriate physical and chemical properties used to treat poorly healing wounds. In addition, it will make it possible to design devices precisely controlling wound mechanics and to individualize a therapy depending on the type, size, and anatomical location of the wound in specific patients, which will increase the clinical efficiency of the therapy. Linking mechanobiology with the science of biomaterials and nanotechnology will enable in the near future precise interference in abnormal cell signaling responsible for the proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and restoration of the biological balance. The objective of this study is to point to the importance of mechanobiology in regeneration of skin damage and wound healing. The study describes the influence of rigidity of extracellular matrix and special restrictions on cell physiology. The study also defines how and what mechanical changes influence tissue regeneration and wound healing. The influence of mechanical signals in the process of proliferation, differentiation, and skin regeneration is tagged in the study.

The tension biology of wound healing

“…The tension of our skin varies in different regions of our body, and is closely associated with body movement, age and other factors . In general, an increase in skin tension leads to the elongation or expansion of the ECM and cells, with the tissue as a whole becoming more rigid or stiff.…”

“…The skin continuously senses and adapts to a wide range of mechanical cues. These physical interactions regulate key developmental and homoeostatic mechanisms which underlie functions and behaviours of the skin . One of the earlier identifications of intrinsic skin tension was the discovery of Langer's lines.…”

“…The tension of our skin varies in different regions of our body, and is closely associated with body movement, age and other factors. [32] In general, an increase in skin tension leads to the elongation or expansion of the ECM and cells, with the tissue as a whole becoming more rigid or stiff. The increase in tissue stiffness can also be achieved by either increasing cell contraction forces, ECM deposition or specific cell types as they all contribute to the constituents of the skin's mechanical environment.…”

“…The increase in tissue stiffness can also be achieved by either increasing cell contraction forces, ECM deposition or specific cell types as they all contribute to the constituents of the skin's mechanical environment. [32,33]…”

“…These physical interactions regulate key developmental and homoeostatic mechanisms which underlie functions and behaviours of the skin. [32] One of the earlier identifications of intrinsic skin tension was the discovery of Langer's lines. These are topographical skin lines which parallel the direction a circular wound would elongate in different anatomic regions of the body.…”