New Study Highlights Intercellular Flow's Role in Tissue Mechanics

A recent study conducted by engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has unveiled the significant role of intercellular flow in tissue mechanics, particularly in how tissues respond to deformation. The study, published on June 21, 2025, in the journal *Nature Physics*, challenges traditional beliefs that the mechanical properties of tissues are primarily determined by internal cellular structures. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of the fluid that exists between cells, which can influence how tissues behave under physical stress.

Water constitutes approximately 60 percent of the human body, with a substantial portion residing within cells, while the remainder flows between them. According to Dr. Ming Guo, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT and a co-author of the study, intercellular fluid plays a crucial role in tissue compliance—how easily tissues can be compressed or deformed. "When tissues are squeezed, the presence and flow of fluid between cells significantly affect how they respond," Guo stated. The findings indicated that tissues are more compliant and can relax more quickly when intercellular fluid flows freely.

The research team, including lead author Dr. Fan Liu, conducted a series of experiments using microtissue samples derived from various biological tissues, including pancreatic tissue. They designed a custom testing platform to measure the response of these tissue clusters to compression. The results demonstrated a clear correlation: larger tissue clusters took longer to relax after deformation, underscoring the dominant role of intercellular flow in tissue mechanics.

Dr. Liu added, "This work emphasizes that intercellular flow is a crucial component in understanding tissue mechanics and has implications for engineering living systems." The study builds upon previous research from 2020, where Guo and his team investigated how intercellular flow contributes to tumor dynamics, highlighting its potential role in tumor invasion.

The implications of this research extend beyond basic science; they offer insights into various medical conditions, including aging, cancer, and neuromuscular diseases. The ability to understand and manipulate intercellular flow could lead to improved recovery strategies following injuries or surgeries, the development of artificial tissues, and even novel therapeutic approaches for delivering drugs more effectively.

As this research progresses, the team plans to explore how enhancing intercellular flow might benefit brain function and overall health. Dr. Liu remarked, "Optimizing fluid dynamics at the cellular level could pave the way for innovative treatments for neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease."

In conclusion, the study by MIT engineers not only deepens our understanding of tissue mechanics but also sets the stage for future advancements in medical science and tissue engineering. The findings could revolutionize how researchers and clinicians approach the treatment of various medical conditions, providing a new lens through which to view tissue behavior and health.