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The Plasma Membrane and Mechanoregulation in Cells.
Upasana Mukhopadhyay1, Tithi Mandal1, Madhura Chakraborty1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal 741246, India.
ACS Omega
|May 27, 2024
Summary
Cells sense and adapt to their mechanical environment via the plasma membrane (PM). This review explores mechanoregulation, molecular players like integrins, and endocytosis in cellular adaptation and tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Cells constantly interact with and adapt to their mechanical microenvironment.
- The plasma membrane (PM) is crucial for sensing and responding to mechanical cues.
- Mechanoregulation is vital across various cell types, including immune cells, stem cells, and fibroblasts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance of plasma membrane mechanoregulation in cellular adaptation.
- To identify key molecular players involved in mechanical signal transduction.
- To explore the role of endocytosis and exocytosis in membrane mechanics and cellular responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of mechanobiology studies.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms in mechanotransduction (integrins, YAP/TAZ, Piezo).
- Comparison of endocytic pathways (clathrin-mediated endocytosis, CLIC/GEEC) in mechanoregulation.
Main Results:
- Identified common molecular players (integrins, YAP/TAZ, Piezo) mediating mechanical signal sensing and chemical response.
- Highlighted the role of endocytosis and exocytosis in regulating membrane mechanics and cellular adaptation.
- Demonstrated applications of mechanoregulation principles in drug discovery and tissue engineering.
Conclusions:
- Plasma membrane mechanoregulation is a fundamental cellular process with broad implications.
- Endocytosis plays a significant role in adapting to mechanical cues and altering membrane properties.
- Understanding mechanobiology offers new avenues for therapeutic interventions and regenerative medicine.
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