Contributions of the integrin β1 tail to cell adhesive forces

Stable cell lines expressing wild-type and mutant human β1 integrins in β1-null fibroblasts and two complementary force-sensing platforms were used to analyze the contributions of the β1 integrin cytoplasmic tail to cell adhesive forces. The β1 tail is essential for integrin binding to fibronectin, focal adhesion assembly and cell adhesive forces. Furthermore, the β1 tail differentially regulates cell adhesion strength and traction forces. 57