Mechanobiology: Exploitation for Medical Benefit

Mechanobiology is the scientific discipline that focuses on the influence of the physical environment over biological behaviour. The field itself is multidisciplinary; involving biologists, physicists, chemists, engineers, material scientists amongst others, and the scale of events can range from organ to nanoscale levels. Deviation from the normal forces generated by an altered blood flow through the vasculature, or by a disorganised arrangement of cell membrane proteins due to unsuitable matrix stiffness can modulate cellular responses. Disturbances in the normal registration of, or response to, the mechanical environment can lead to disease.

Mechanobiology: Exploitation for Medical Benefit introduces key mechanisms by which cells identify, and respond to, the mechanical environment, highlights some tissues disposed to mechanical disease , and describes models currently utilised to investigate this fascinating aspect of biology. If we recognise the impact, and understand the controlling influence of the mechanical environment, we may gain insight into better treatments for patients with such mechano–dependent diseases.

This book is designed to demonstrate the extent of participation of mechanobiology within normal physiology. It is anticipated it will initiate a working interest in graduate students and researchers in biology, and a range of bio–related scientific disciplines.

About the Author
Simon C.F. Rawlinson, Queen Mary University of London, Institute of Dentistry, England

The Introduction will demonstrate mechanobiology is an extensive force in nature.  Following chapters will be split into contributions based on tissue (bone, vascular etc).  Within each chapter the contributor will develop the mechanobiology theme and speculate on pharmaceutical or physical activity to regulate mechanobiology as a site for medical intervention.  Finally, a summing up chapter will pull together the threads of each of the preceding chapters to convey the relevant aspects to the reader.

Working Table of Contents or Outline of contents

Introduction
Bone and musculoskeletal systems
Vascular systems
The Lung
The Kidney
The Senses
Concluding Chapter