Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction in Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a devastating disease with a poor outcome. Progressive remodeling of the pulmonary microvasculature leads to an increase in pulmonary vascular stiffness as well as to an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. These alterations in mechanical characteristics of the pulmonary vasculature further contribute to the progression of pulmonary vascular disease. This chapter will focus on how changes in vascular stiffness affect mechanical forces acting on the endothelium and smooth muscle cells and how these changes in mechanical forces in turn contribute to the development and progression of pulmonary vascular disease with a focus on the role of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction in these processes.