Mechanical forces shape cells and tissues during development and adult homeostasis. In addition, they also signal to cells via mechanotransduction pathways to control cell proliferation, differentiation and death. These processes require metabolism of nutrients for both energy generation and biosynthesis of macromolecules. However, how cellular mechanics and metabolism are connected is still poorly understood. Here, we discuss recent evidence indicating how the mechanical cues exerted by the extracellular matrix (ECM), cell–ECM and cell–cell adhesion complexes influence metabolic pathways. Moreover, we explore the energy and metabolic requirements associated with cell mechanics and ECM remodelling, implicating a reciprocal crosstalk between cell mechanics and metabolism.

机械力在发育和成体体内平衡过程中塑造细胞和组织。此外，它们还通过机械转导途径向细胞发出信号，以控制细胞增殖、分化和死亡。这些过程需要营养物质的代谢来产生能量和大分子的生物合成。然而，人们对细胞力学和新陈代谢如何联系仍然知之甚少。在这里，我们讨论最近的证据，表明细胞外基质 (ECM)、细胞-ECM 和细胞-细胞粘附复合物施加的机械信号如何影响代谢途径。此外，我们还探讨了与细胞力学和 ECM 重塑相关的能量和代谢需求，暗示细胞力学和代谢之间的相互串扰。