Mechanoregulation of cytoskeletal dynamics by TRP channels

Abstract

The ability of cells to respond to mechanical stimulation is crucial to a variety of biological processes, including cell migration, axonal outgrowth, perception of pain, cardiovascular responses and kidney physiology. The translation of mechanical cues into cellular responses, a process known as mechanotransduction, typically takes place in specialized multiprotein structures such as cilia, cell–cell or cell–matrix adhesions. Within these structures, mechanical forces such as shear stress and membrane stretch activate mechanosensitive proteins, which set off a series of events that lead to altered cell behavior. Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of cation channels are emerging as important players in mechanotransductory pathways. Localized within mechanosensory structures, they are activated by mechanical stimuli and trigger fast as well as sustained cytoskeletal responses. In this review, we will provide an overview of how TRP channels affect cytoskeletal dynamics in various mechano-regulated processes.