Hypergravity Enhances Stretch Sensitivity in Rat Cardiomyocytes via Increased Expression and Activity of Stretch-Activated Channels
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ABSTRACT: This study investigated how 14-day 4g hypergravity exposure affects mechanosensitive ion channels (MSCs) in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. RNA-seq revealed selective MSC remodeling: TRPM7 (+41%), TRPC1 (+68%), and TRAAK (+239%) were upregulated, while TRPV2 (-62%), Piezo2 (-58%), and Kir6.1 (-76%) were downregulated. Structural analysis showed 44% increased membrane capacitance and sarcomere elongation, consistent with hypertrophic remodeling. Patch-clamp studies demonstrated markedly hypersensitive stretch-activated currents (I_SAC), with activation at minimal displacements (1-2 μm) and enhanced responses under 4-10 μm stretch (107-222% of controls). These coordinated molecular, structural, and functional adaptations suggest targeted transcriptional reprogramming that balances enhanced Ca²⁺ signaling with stabilized K⁺ conductance, demonstrating cardiac mechanotransduction plasticity under gravitational stress with implications for cardiovascular risks in altered gravity environments.
ORGANISM(S): Rattus
PROVIDER: GSE306309 | GEO | 2025/12/02
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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