Mechanosensitivity and Ion Channels

Dear Colleagues,

Mechanosensitivity is the ability of cells to detect mechanical and physical forces, and it is essential for many physiological functions, playing a pivotal role in both health and disease. At a molecular level, these forces are detected by mechano-gated ion channels that function as mechanosensors and/or mechanotransducers that can transform mechanical cues into electrical and biochemical signals, allowing the cell to adapt and respond to mechanical forces. The last decade has witnessed a revolution in mechanosensory physiology at molecular and cellular levels since the discovery of the family of mechano-gated piezo ion channels. Members of this family, i.e., Piezo1 and Piezo2, are present in both vertebrate and invertebrate cells and play key roles not only in mechanosensing and mechanotransduction but also in cell physiology like proliferation, migration, etc. They are widely distributed in both nervous and non-nervous tissues and are involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases like cancer. In addition to Piezo channels, members of the transient receptor potential ion channel and degenerin-EnaC ion channels superfamily participate in mechanosensing.

This Special Issue "Mechanosensitivity and Ion Channels" aims to collect reviews and original papers related to mechanosensing–mechanotransduction in multiple organs in health and diseases. 

Prof. Dr. Olivia García-Suarez
Dr. Yolanda García-Mesa
Guest Editors

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