ENaC Proteins in Vascular Smooth Muscle Mechanotransduction

Mechanotransduction influences many aspects of biological function. In the cardiovascular system, mechanotransduction has a significant impact on vascular function. Multiple signal transduction pathways participate in the transmission of biomechanical forces into cellular signals, including integrins, adhesion molecules, cytoskeleton, and activation of membrane-bound transporters and ion channels. This chapter discusses the potential role of a novel family of ion channels with evolutionarily conserved involvement in mechanotransduction, the degenerin/epithelial Na(+) channel (DEG/ENaC) family. Members of the family are identified in a diverse range of species and tissue types. Most members of the DEG/ENaC family form cation selective ion channels, some of which are believed to form mechanically gated ion channels. While most research has focused on degenerins in sensory neuron mechanotransduction, emerging evidence suggests ENaC proteins may also participate in vascular-smooth-muscle mechanotransduction. The chapter describes the potential role and physiological importance of ENaC proteins as mechanosensors in vascular smooth muscle.