Epithelial cells utilize cortical actin/myosin to activate latent TGF-β through integrin αvβ6-dependent physical force

►S1P induces αvβ6-mediated TGF-β activation through Rho Kinase. ►Cell contraction regulates S1P and LPA induced αvβ6-mediated TGF-β activation. ►S1P and LPA induced αvβ6-mediated TGF-β activation requires cellular tension. ►Increased tension in epithelial cells results from cortical actin.