Cyclic strain dominates over microtopography in regulating cytoskeletal and focal adhesion remodeling of human mesenchymal stem cells

► Physical cues of the microenvironment are proposed to regulate stem cell function. ► Cyclic strain remodels the actin cytoskeletal and focal adhesions. ► Microtopography remodels the actin cytoskeletal and focal adhesions. ► Cyclic strain dominates over microtopography in gene expression. ► External mechanical stimuli regulate the stem niche.