Mechanosensitivity as an integrative system in heart: an audit

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Biophysics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The heart's function relies on complex regulatory systems.
• Existing systems like endocrine and nervous systems integrate physiological processes.
• Mechanoelectric transduction represents a potential mechanical integration system in the heart.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and assemble evidence supporting mechanoelectric transduction as an integrative regulatory system in the heart.
• To compare mechanoelectric transduction with established neurendocrine regulatory systems.
• To explore the molecular, cellular, and organ-level mechanisms of mechanoelectric transduction.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on mechanoelectric transduction.
• Analysis of observations from molecular to organ levels.
• Comparison of mechanoelectric transduction criteria with endocrine and nervous systems.
• Examination of tensegrity, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix roles.

Main Results:

• Mechanoelectric transduction operates at molecular, cellular, and organ levels.
• It involves mechanical forces transmitted via tensegrity and the cytoskeleton.
• Evidence supports its role in regulating heart rate (e.g., sinoatrial node distension) and intercellular communication.
• Mechanoelectric feedback mechanisms and interactions with other signaling cascades are identified.
• Malfunction contributes to cardiac arrhythmias.

Conclusions:

• Mechanoelectric transduction functions as an integrative regulatory system in the heart, analogous to neurendocrine systems.
• Its mechanisms span from membrane-level mechanotransduction to organ-level hydraulic effects.
• Understanding mechanoelectric transduction offers insights into cardiac electrophysiology and pathology, including arrhythmias.