... talin, which binds the integrin to an actin fila-ment [16]. Stretching talin activates vinculin, a FA pro-tein, leading to reinforcement of the FA [17] (Fig. 1).Therefore, a rearrangement of the ... direction of shear stress. In (C), the force is in the direction of tension of actin filaments, maintained with the help of neighboring cells in contact. In (D), the force is in the direction of pulling ... completedvia integrin binding at FAs, leading to stretching of talin and activation of vinculin to reinforce the FA (D). The ECs respond to this interactionby forming stress fibers that contract, allowing...