A stress describes forces applied in a given location regarding all the directions of space. As a tensor, it consists of several components expressing different deformations. Its isotropic part (pressure) creates compressive (shrinkage) or tensile (expansion) stresses describing the mechanical state

Thanks a lot @lakshmib02.bsky.social . It was so nice to work with you.

Shared link to our paper:
Dynamic forces shape the survival fate of eliminated cells
rdcu.be/d5AD6

Multiple groups have reported that losing cells are eliminated through being compressed by the winners. Directly measuring these forces, we confirmed this for most experimental conditions. Surprisingly, however, in the case of MDCK WT competing against E-cad KO cells, we observed the opposite!

Exerting high forces, losing E-cad KO cells compress the winning WT cells, but are eliminated anyway. But why?
Combining simulations and experiments, we found that E-cad KO elimination occurrs at the mechanically highly active interface between the tissues, due to large stress fluctuations

We show that cells with increased cell-cell adhesion benefit from increased force transmission capabilities and exhibit a higher resistance to these stress fluctuations, while the opposing cells are removed.
Thus, force transmission can provide the crucial advantage in mechanical cell competition