The Diverse Physiological Functions of Mechanically Activated Ion Channels in Mammals

Many aspects of mammalian physiology are mechanically regulated. One set of molecules that can mediate mechanotransduction are the mechanically activated ion channels. These ionotropic force sensors are directly activated by mechanical inputs, resulting in ionic flux across the plasma membrane. While there has been much research focus on the role of mechanically activated ion channels in touch sensation and hearing, recent data have highlighted the broad expression pattern of these molecules in mammalian cells. Disruption of mechanically activated channels has been shown to impact (a) the development of mechanoresponsive structures, (b) acute mechanical sensing, and (c) mechanically driven homeostatic maintenance in multiple tissue types. The diversity of processes impacted by these molecules highlights the importance of mechanically activated ion channels in mammalian physiology.

Automated summary

Many aspects of mammalian physiology are regulated by mechanical processes, and mechanically activated ion channels play a vital role in this mechanotransduction. These ion channels act as force sensors and are directly activated by mechanical inputs, leading to changes in ionic flux across the plasma membrane. Recent research has revealed the widespread expression of these channels in mammalian cells, not only in touch sensation and hearing, but also in various other processes such as the development of mechanoresponsive structures and mechanically driven homeostatic maintenance. The diverse functions of mechanically activated ion channels highlight their significance in mammalian physiology.