Mechanosensitive ion channels in cell migration

Cell migration in confining microenvironments is limited by the ability of the stiff nucleus to deform through pores when migration paths are preexisting and elastic, but how cells generate these paths remains unclear. Here, we reveal a mechanism by which the nucleus mechanically generates migration paths for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in confining microenvironments. MSCs migrate robustly in nanoporous, confining hydrogels that are viscoelastic and plastic but not in hydrogels that are more elastic. To migrate, MSCs first extend thin protrusions that widen over time because of a nuclear piston, thus opening up a migration path in a confining matrix. Theoretical modeling and experiments indicate that the nucleus pushing into the protrusion activates mechanosensitive ion channels, leading to an influx of ions that increases osmotic pressure, which outcompetes hydrostatic pressure to drive protrusion expansion. Thus, instead of limiting migration, the nucleus powers migration by generating migration paths.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Mechanosensitive ion channels in cultured sensory neurons of neonatal rats.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.1063865.516803 ◽

2007 ◽

Author(s):

Jaime García-Añoveros

Keyword(s):

Ion Channels ◽

Sensory Neurons ◽

Neonatal Rats ◽

Mechanosensitive Ion Channels

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Modulation of cardiac mechanosensitive ion channels involves superoxide, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.1161664.628493 ◽

2009 ◽

Author(s):

John Jeremy Rice

Keyword(s):

Nitric Oxide ◽

Ion Channels ◽

Mechanosensitive Ion Channels

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The Use of Inhibitors of Mechanosensitive Ion Channels as Local Inhibitors of Peripheral Pain

10.21236/ada611580 ◽

2014 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Frederick Sachs

Keyword(s):

Ion Channels ◽

Mechanosensitive Ion Channels ◽

Peripheral Pain

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Biophysics and Modeling of Mechanotransduction in Neurons: A Review

Mathematics ◽

10.3390/math9040323 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 323

Author(s):

Martina Nicoletti ◽

Letizia Chiodo ◽

Alessandro Loppini

Keyword(s):

Ion Channels ◽

Cell Membrane ◽

Sensory Neurons ◽

Neuronal Cell ◽

Molecular Processes ◽

Biological Mechanisms ◽

Mechanosensitive Ion Channels ◽

Complex Interactions ◽

Different Types ◽

Intracellular Organelles

Mechanosensing is a key feature through which organisms can receive inputs from the environment and convert them into specific functional and behavioral outputs. Mechanosensation occurs in many cells and tissues, regulating a plethora of molecular processes based on the distribution of forces and stresses both at the cell membrane and at the intracellular organelles levels, through complex interactions between cells’ microstructures, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix. Although several primary and secondary mechanisms have been shown to contribute to mechanosensation, a fundamental pathway in simple organisms and mammals involves the presence of specialized sensory neurons and the presence of different types of mechanosensitive ion channels on the neuronal cell membrane. In this contribution, we present a review of the main ion channels which have been proven to be significantly involved in mechanotransduction in neurons. Further, we discuss recent studies focused on the biological mechanisms and modeling of mechanosensitive ion channels’ gating, and on mechanotransduction modeling at different scales and levels of details.

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