The interaction between cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential in many cellular processes, such as cell migration, differentiation and apoptosis. As the first step of cell-ECM interaction, cell spreading has been widely investigated. In this review, the biological background of cell spreading process is first introduced, including a brief overview of involved genes and proteins. Polymerization force, adhesive force and membrane tension are introduced in a coherent framework of cell spreading dynamics from mechanics point of view. The existing physical and/or mechanical models are reviewed based on principles of either viscous flow of cells or mechanical equilibrium at cell periphery. We also discuss the modeling approaches, open questions, and potential opportunities of cell spreading dynamics.
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