Magnetic probe-based microrheology reveals local softening and stiffening of 3D collagen matrices by fibroblasts.

Changes in extracellular matrix stiffness impact a variety of biological processes including cancer progression. However, cells also actively remodel the matrices they interact with, dynamically altering the matrix mechanics they respond to. Further, cells not only react to matrix stiffness, but also have a distinct reaction to matrix viscoelasticity.