Three-Dimensional Monolayer Stress Cytometry

The transmission of mechanical forces through cell monolayers regulates multiple biological processes such as vascular homeostasis, leukocyte / cancer cell extravasation or stem cell differentiation. In all of these processes the monolayer not only undergoes lateral deformation due to tangential (e.g. horizontal) forces, but also bending due to normal (e.g. vertical) forces. Mechanical cues propagate throughout the monolayer as stress originated by the combination of both effects. However, the contribution of bending is yet to be quantified.