Characterization of tissue biomechanics and mechanical signaling in uterine leiomyoma

► Leiomyoma tissue exhibited an increased pseudo-dynamic modulus compared to myometrium. ► Altered viscoelastic properties contributed significantly to the stiffness of leiomyoma. ► Leiomyoma cells exhibited an attenuated response to applied cyclic strain. ► Leiomyoma cells had reduced levels of active RhoA after mechanical stimulation or LPA treatment. ► Leiomyoma cells responded abnormally to variation in substrate stiffness.