Spatial confinement and life under pressure from physiology to pathology

Tree roots sprouting into the ground or tumors proliferating within an organ are a few examples of proliferation under spatial confinement, which leads to growth-induced pressure. This compressive mechanical stress can impact a plethora of processes in all organisms. In this review, I will discuss the physiological and pathological consequences of spatial confinement in plants, microbes and animal cells, and will discuss in more depth the case of solid tumors.