Cell adhesion in renal tubular epithelial cells: Biochemistry, biophysics or both

Changes in cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion markers are increasingly used to characterize disease onset progression. However, these relationships depend on both the biochemical molecular association between cells their extracellular matrix, as well biophysical mechanical properties orchestrated by cytoskeletal, membrane matrix components. To fully appreciate role of cell when determining normal physiology impact cellular function, it is important consider attributes system being investigated. In this short viewpoint we reflect our experiences assessing and/or cell-matrix interactions renal tubular epithelial cells.