ABSTRACT
In this review, we focus specically on mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels and their basic mechanisms, although MS channels are not the only type of mechanotransducers in cells. Cytoskeletal laments, for instance, change the rates of their assembly depending on axial mechanical forces (Abu Shah and Keren 2013). Molecules that connect the cytoskeleton to focal adhesions respond to linear stress by partially unfolding and exposing cryptic binding sites that recruit other proteins, thus leading to remodeling of stress-bearing complexes (Vogel 2006, del Rio et al. 2009). Local stress applied to focal adhesions also leads to accumulation of lipid rafts in that location (Fuentes and Butler 2012). Kinases associated with focal adhesions also respond to
forces mediating cell remodeling and dierentiation (von Wichert et al. 2008). Bacterial osmosensory kinase EnvZ perceives hydration stresses-apparently through changes in cytoplasmic macromolecular excluded volume (crowding pressure)—forcing a more compact active conformation (Wang et al. 2012). G-proteincoupled receptors have also been shown to mediate stretch responses (Sharif-Naeini et al. 2010).
