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Updated: May 13, 2026

In Vitro Assessment of Cardiac Function Using Skinned Cardiomyocytes
Published on: June 22, 2020
Mechanobiology in cardiac physiology and diseases
Ken Takahashi1, Yoshihide Kakimoto, Kensaku Toda
1Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan. takah-k2@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Mechanosensitivity is essential for heart function just as for all other cells and organs in the body, and it is involved in both normal physiology and diseases processes of the cardiovascular system. In this review, we have outlined the relationship between mechanosensitivity and heart physiology, including the Frank-Starling law of the heart and mechanoelectric feedback. We then focused on molecules involved in mechanotransduction, particularly mechanosensitive ion channels. We have also discussed the involvement of mechanosensitivity in heart diseases, such as arrhythmias, hypertrophy and ischaemic heart disease. Finally, mechanobiology in cardiogenesis is described with regard to regenerative medicine.
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