Mechanosensitivity and Mechanotransduction

This book presents the latest findings in the field of research of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction in different cells and tissues. Mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction are considered in the heart and vascular cells, in the lung, in bone and joint tissues, in sensor systems and in blood cells. The Volume focuses on molecular mechanisms of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction via cytoskeleton. Under discussion are integrin-mediated mechanotransduction, the role of actin cytoskeleton, the role of other cytoskeletal elements. It contains a detailed description of several stretch-induced signaling cascades with multiple levels of crosstalk between different pathways. Nitric oxide is discussed in regulation of cardiac activity and for the first time considered is the role of nitric oxide in regulation of mechanically gated channels in the heart. In the heart mechanical signals are propagated into the intracellular space primarily via integrin-linked complexes, and are subsequently transmitted from cell to cell via paracrine signaling. The biochemical signals derived from mechanical stimuli activate both acute phosphorylation of signaling cascades, such as in the PI3K, FAK, and ILK pathways, and long-term morphological modifications via intracellular cytoskeletal reorganization and extracellular matrix remodelling. Shown are the cellular and molecular effects of mechanical stretch on vascular cells. It highlights the role of mechanotransduction in the lung, in bone and joint tissues. For the first time mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction in blood cells are discussed. It contains new insights into mechanosensitive K+ channels in mouse B lymphocytes. This book is a unique collection of reviews outlining current knowledge and future developments in this rapidly growing field. Currently, investigations of the molecular mechanisms of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction are focused on several issues. The majority of studies investigate intracellular signaling pathways. Knowledge of the mechanisms at the basis of these processes is necessary for understanding the normal functioning of different living organs and tissues and allows to predict changes, which arise due to alterations of their environment, and possibly will allow to develop new methods of artificial intervention. The book brings up the problem closer to the experts in related medical and biological sciences as well as practicing doctors besides just presenting the latest achievements in the field.