Endothelial mechanosensors: The gatekeepers of vascular homeostasis and adaptation under mechanical stress

Abstract

Endothelial cells (ECs) not only serve as a barrier between blood and extravascular space to modulate the exchange of fluid, macromolecules and cells, but also play a critical role in regulation of vascular homeostasis and adaptation under mechanical stimulus via intrinsic mechanotransduction. Recently, with the dissection of microdomains responsible for cellular responsiveness to mechanical stimulus, a lot of mechanosensing molecules (mechanosensors) and pathways have been identified in ECs. In addition, there is growing evidence that endothelial mechanosensors not only serve as key vascular gatekeepers, but also contribute to the pathogenesis of various vascular disorders. This review focuses on recent findings in endothelial mechanosensors in subcellular microdomains and their roles in regulation of physiological and pathological functions under mechanical stress. © 2014 The Author(s).