Physiological and pathological functions of mechanosensitive ion channels.

Rapid sensation of mechanical stimuli is often mediated by mechanosensitve ion channels. Their opening results from conformational changes induced by mechanical forces. It leads to membrane permeation of selected ions and thereby to electrical signaling. Newly identified mechanosensitive ion channels are emerging at an astonishing rate, including some that are traditionally assigned for completely different functions. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of ion channels that are known to play a role in mechanosensation. Next, we focus on three representative ones, including the transient receptor potential channel V4 (TRPV4), Kv1.1 voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel, and Piezo channels. Their structures, biophysical properties, expression and targeting patterns, and physiological functions are highlighted. The potential role of their mechanosensation in related diseases is further discussed. In sum, mechanosensation appears to be achieved in a variety of ways by different proteins and plays a fundamental role in the function of various organs under normal and abnormal conditions.

机械刺激的快速感知通常由机械敏感离子通道介导。它们的开放是由机械力引起的构象变化导致的。这会导致特定离子的膜渗透，从而产生电信号。新发现的机械敏感离子通道正以惊人的速度涌现，其中包括一些传统上被认为具有完全不同功能的通道。在这篇综述中，我们首先简要概述已知在机械感知中起作用的离子通道。接下来，我们重点关注三个具有代表性的通道，包括瞬时受体电位通道V4（TRPV4）、Kv1.1电压门控钾（Kv）通道和Piezo通道。它们的结构、生物物理特性、表达和靶向模式以及生理功能都得到了强调。进一步讨论了它们的机械感知在相关疾病中的潜在作用。总之，机械感知似乎是通过不同的蛋白质以多种方式实现的，并且在正常和异常条件下在各种器官的功能中起着基础性的作用。