Ion Channels with Mechanosensitivity in the Nervous System

Abstract

Although sensation of the physical touch is the most ancient sense of all, our understanding is very scarce. After brief history of mechanosensation and the criteria of mechanical transduction channels are introduced, various ion channels with mechanosensitive properties are followed. Selective TRP channels, two pore domain potassium channels with mechanosensitivity and amiloride sensitive sodium channels are discussed in terms of their expression, biophysical properties, functional significance and their limits. Other possible mechanisms of mechanosensitivity with or without involvement of ion channels are briefly mentioned. Various methodologies frequently adopted to study the mechanosensitivity of the ion channels are classified by direct and indirect mechanical stimulation.