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Updated: Mar 14, 2026

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro
Published on: August 27, 2015
The mechanosensor of mesenchymal stem cells: mechanosensitive channel or cytoskeleton?
E Xiao1, Chider Chen2, Yi Zhang3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University, School and Hospital of Stomatology; National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of digital Stomatology, 22 Zhongguancun Nandajie, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells. MSCs and their potential for use in regenerative medicine have been investigated extensively. Recently, the mechanisms by which MSCs detect mechanical stimuli have been described in detail. As in other cell types, both mechanosensitive channels, such as transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), and the cytoskeleton, including actin and actomyosin, have been implicated in mechanosensation in MSCs. This review will focus on discussing the precise role of TRPM7 and the cytoskeleton in mechanosensation in MSCs.
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