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Mechanotransduction is a process where cells translate environmental mechanical forces to molecular and cellular events. It is observed during gastrulation, and tissue growth
and maturation.  Aberrant mechanotransduction is linked to diseases such as arthrosclerosis. Generating appropriate response, require cells sensation and detection of applied
forces via the mechanoreceptors integrins. It is not known precisely how integrins mechanosensativity and population heterogeneity affect mechanotransduction. 
We demonstrate using an in silico multi-scale and hybrid-model that integrins mechanosensitivity is crucial to maintain cellular response to forces. Additionally, 
a heterogeneous population generates molecular memory of previously applied forces, affecting dynamics of subsequent responses to forces. Modulation of integrins’
mechanosensitivity to applied mechanical force (AFt) and its impact on mechanotransduction, and consequently, synthesis of osteogenic proteins was investigated via a hybrid 
model which coupled a mechanical model and an Agent-Based Model (ABM), that we refer to as Mech-ABM.

Details on the methodology and discription of the Mech-ABM are available in the following manuscript:

SHUAIB, A., MOTAN, D., McNABB, A., SKERRY, TM. & LACROIX D. 2019. 
Heterogeneity In Integrins Mechanical Properties Determines Mechanotransduction Dynamics in Bone Osteoblasts. Sci Rep. accepted.

This repository contains datasets, algorithms, codes and figures which were used to write said manuscript.

For further information and datasets contact the corresponding author on aban.shuaib706<at>gmail.com and aban.shuaib<at>sheffield.ac.uk