Mechanosensitive Ion Channels

This book explores the latest data dealing with mechanosensitive channels research results. It was compiled by a group of internationally recognized scientists leading in the field of mechanosensitive ion channels or mechanically gated channels and signaling cascades research. Key problems of cell mechanobiology are also discussed. As a whole, the volume dwells on the major issues of mechanical stress influencing the ion channels and intracellular signaling pathways.

Mechanosensitive Channels.- Experimental Methods of Studying Mechanosensitive Channels and Possible Errors in Data Interpretation.- Role of Lipid Bilayer Mechanics in Mechanosensation.- Mechanosensitive Channels Gated by Membrane Tension.- Computational Studies of the Bacterial Mechanosensitive Channels.- Mechanosensory Transduction in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.- Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Odontoblasts.- Potassium Ion Channels in Articular Chondrocytes.- Osmotransduction Through Volume-Sensitive Cl- Channels.- Mechanosensitive Channel TRPV4.- Mechanosensitive Signalling Cascades.- Mechanosensitive Purinergic Calcium Signalling in Articular Chondrocytes.- Signal Transduction Pathways Involved in Mechanotransduction in Osteoblastic and Mesenchymal Stem Cells.- Caveolae.- Multimodal Activation and Regulation of Neuronal Mechanosensitive Cation Channels.- Regulation of Intracellular Signal Transduction Pathways by Mechanosensitive Ion Channels.- Cell Mechanobiology.- The Effects of Mechanical Stimulation on Vertebrate Hearts.- Mechanobiology of Fibroblasts.