Myosin-II mediated traction forces evoke localized Piezo1-dependent Ca²⁺ flickers.

ABSTRACT: Piezo channels transduce mechanical stimuli into electrical and chemical signals to powerfully influence development, tissue homeostasis, and regeneration. Studies on Piezo1 have largely focused on transduction of "outside-in" mechanical forces, and its response to internal, cell-generated forces remains poorly understood. Here, using measurements of endogenous Piezo1 activity and traction forces in native cellular conditions, we show that cellular traction forces generate spatially-restricted Piezo1-mediated Ca²⁺ flickers in the absence of externally-applied mechanical forces. Although Piezo1 channels diffuse readily in the plasma membrane and are widely distributed across the cell, their flicker activity is enriched near force-producing adhesions. The mechanical force that act

SUBMITTER: Ellefsen KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6685976 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature