Abstract Changes in tissue stiffness are frequently associated with diseases such as cancer,
fibrosis, and atherosclerosis. Several recent studies suggest that, in addition to resulting
from pathology, mechanical changes may play a role akin to soluble factors in causing the
progression of disease, and similar mechanical control might be essential for normal tissue
development and homeostasis. Many cell types alter their structure and function in response
to exogenous forces or as a function of the mechanical properties of the materials to which …