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Related Concept Videos

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

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The adherens junctions that anchor cells together are multi-protein complexes that dynamically adapt to mechanical stimuli such as tensile forces and shear stress. Mechanosensory proteins in these junctions can sense such mechanical stimuli and undergo a shift in their conformation, resulting in an altered function — a process called mechanotransduction.
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In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
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Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
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Proteins perform many mechanical functions in a cell. These proteins can be classified into two general categories- proteins that generate mechanical forces and proteins that are subjected to mechanical forces. Proteins providing mechanical support to the structure of the cell, such as keratin, are subjected to mechanical force, whereas proteins involved in cell movement and transport of molecules across cell membranes, such as an ion pump, are examples of generating mechanical force. 
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Catenins are characterized by multiple binding domains and dynamic structures that allow them to function as linker proteins in cell junction complexes. All catenins, except α-catenin, contain a characteristic protein sequence called the armadillo repeat and are therefore also called armadillo proteins.
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The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our sensory perception. It contains a vast network of sensory receptors that contribute to the skin's protective function by perceiving physical, biological, and environmental cues and generating relevant responses.
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Combined Recording of Mechanically Stimulated Afferent Output and Nerve Terminal Labelling in Mouse Hair Follicle Lanceolate Endings
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ASICs and mammalian mechanoreceptor function.

Damir Omerbašić1, Laura-Nadine Schuhmacher2, Yinth-Andrea Bernal Sierra1

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, D-13125 Berlin, Germany.

Neuropharmacology
|December 22, 2014
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Summary

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) regulate mechanoreceptor sensitivity in vertebrates. Gene deletion studies reveal diverse effects, suggesting unknown protein partners influence their mechanosensory roles.

Keywords:
ASICsIon channelsMechanoreceptorMechanotransductionNociceptorPotassium channelsTouch

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Ion Channel Physiology

Background:

  • Deg/ENaC channels in invertebrates and acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in vertebrates are implicated in mechanotransduction.
  • ASICs (ASIC1-4) are known to regulate mechanoreceptor sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review physiological and genetic evidence for ASIC involvement in vertebrate mechanosensory function.
  • To explore the regulatory role of ASICs in mechanosensory pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing physiological and genetic studies.
  • Analysis of data from gene deletion experiments in various sensory neuron types.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports a significant regulatory role for ASICs in mechanosensory function.
  • ASIC gene deletion results in varied outcomes, including both enhanced and diminished mechanosensory function, dependent on the specific sensory neuron.

Conclusions:

  • ASICs play a crucial regulatory role in mechanosensory function.
  • The diverse effects of ASIC gene deletion indicate that unknown molecular partners are critical in defining their function in sensory neurons.