Mechano-gated channels in C. elegans

Mechanosensation such as touch, hearing and proprioception, is functionally regulated by mechano-gated ion channels through the process of transduction. Mechano-gated channels are a subtype of gated ion channels engaged in converting mechanical stimuli to chemical or electrical signals thereby modulating sensation. To date, a few families of mechano-gated channels (DEG/ENaC, TRPN, K₂P, TMC and Piezo) have been identified in eukaryotes. Using a tractable genetic model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the molecular mechanism of mechanosensation have been the focus of much research to comprehend the process of mechanotransduction. Comprising of almost all metazoans classes of ion channels, transporters and receptors, C. elegans is a powerful genetic model to explore mechanosensitive behaviors such as touch sensation and proprioception. The nematode relies primarily on its sensory abilities to survive in its natural environment. Genetic screening, calcium imaging and electrophysiological analysis have established that ENaC proteins and TRPN channel (TRP-4 protein) can characterize mechano-gated channels in C. elegans. A recent study reported that TMCs are likely the pore-forming subunit of a mechano-gated channel in C. elegans. Nevertheless, it still remains unclear whether Piezo as well as other candidate proteins can form mechano-gated channels in C. elegans.