Biophysical assays to test cellular mechanosensing: moving towards high throughput

Mechanosensitivity is the ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical stimuli. In order to do this, cells are endowed with different components that allow them to react to a broad range of stimuli, such as compression or shear forces, pressure, and vibrations. This sensing process, mechanosensing, is involved in fundamental physiological mechanisms, such as stem cell differentiation and migration, but it is also central to the development of pathogenic states. Here, we review the approaches that have been proposed to quantify mechanosensation in living cells, with a specific focus on methodologies that enable higher experimental throughput. This aspect is crucial to fully understand the nuances of mechanosensation and how it impacts the physiology and pathology of living systems. We will discuss traditional methods for studying mechanosensing at the level of single cells, with particular attention to the activation of the mechanosensitive ion channel piezo1. Moreover, we will present recent attempts to push the analysis towards higher throughput.