Acid-Sensing Ion Channels and Mechanosensation

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are mainly proton-gated cation channels that are activated by pH drops and nonproton ligands. They are part of the degenerin/epithelial sodium channel superfamily due to their sodium permeability. Predominantly expressed in the central nervous system, ASICs are involved in synaptic plasticity, learning/memory, and fear conditioning. These channels have also been implicated in multiple disease conditions, including ischemic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and drug addiction. Recent research has illustrated the involvement of ASICs in mechanosensation. Mechanosensation is a form of signal transduction in which mechanical forces are converted into neuronal signals. Specific mechanosensitive functions have been elucidated in functional ASIC1a, ASIC1b, ASIC2a, and ASIC3. The implications of mechanosensation in ASICs indicate their subsequent involvement in functions such as maintaining blood pressure, modulating the gastrointestinal function, and bladder micturition, and contributing to nociception. The underlying mechanism of ASIC mechanosensation is the tether-gate model, which uses a gating-spring mechanism to activate ASIC responses. Further understanding of the mechanism of ASICs will help in treatments for ASIC-related pathologies. Along with the well-known chemosensitive functions of ASICs, emerging evidence has revealed that mechanosensitive functions of ASICs are important for maintaining homeostasis and contribute to various disease conditions.