The bidirectional interplay between RNA processing and mechanotransduction

Through mechanotransduction, cells sense and respond to mechanical stimuli from their environment. A mechanical stimulus is first detected by a mechanosensor, then converted into a biochemical signal, which can ultimately control the expression of genes. RNA processing, which includes canonical and alternative splicing, 3' end polyadenylation, and 5' end capping, is a mechanism that fine-tunes gene expression regulation. Here, we provide an overview of recent studies revealing substantial links between mechanotransduction and RNA processing, with a focus on alternative splicing and polyadenylation. We first describe the molecular players that are known to mediate mechanotransduction. Then, we examine how mechanical forces inform the functions of RNA-binding proteins. We next summarize recent investigations demonstrating that genes encoding mechanosensory proteins are alternatively spliced and how alternative splicing might impact isoform functions. Last, we discuss the role of mechanical forces on alternative splicing and polyadenylation landscapes.