High-frequency MHz-order vibration enables cell membrane remodeling and lipid microdomain manipulation.

ABSTRACT: We elucidate the mechanism underpinning a recently discovered phenomenon in which cells respond to MHz-order mechanostimuli. Deformations induced along the plasma membrane under these external mechanical cues are observed to decrease the membrane tension, which, in turn, drives transient and reversible remodeling of its lipid structure. In particular, the increase and consequent coalescence of ordered lipid microdomains leads to closer proximity to mechanosensitive ion channels-Piezo1, in particular-that, due to crowding, results in their activation to mobilize influx of calcium (Ca²⁺) ions into the cell. It is the modulation of this second messenger that is responsible for the downstream signaling and cell fates that ensue. In addition, we show that such spatiotemporal control

SUBMITTER: Ambattu LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11739889 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature