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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2012 Mar 10.
Published in final edited form as: Adv Genet. 2011;76:1–26. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-386481-9.00001-8

Figure 1.3.

Figure 1.3

A model for the possible role of DEG/ENaC channels in the response to mechanical stimuli. (A) The large extracellular domain is attached to the extracellular matrix (ECM) either directly or possibly via other linker proteins. The short intracellular domains are attached directly or via other proteins to the cytoskeleton. (B) Upon mechanical pressure, the extracellular domain compresses, which results in opening of the pore, leading to influx of cations, which depolarizes the sensory cell. Currently, there are no conclusive data to support any of the models proposed for the mechanical gating of DEG/ENaC channels.