Fig. 4.

Hypothetical model of a vascular mechanosensor containing βENaC. This model is based on the degenerin mechanosensor in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In our model, we hypothesize that βENaC is a component of the ion-conducting pore. The pore is tethered to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and possibly the cytoskeleton, either directly or indirectly. Gating of the mechanosensor by mechanical forces is proposed to lead to Na⁺ influx, membrane depolarization, and activation of downstream signaling, leading to VSMC contraction.