Figure 1.

Simplified schematics of switch-like and dynamic elements of mechanotransduction. (a) Schematic representation of a common mechanism of mechanotransduction. Conformational change due to tension exerted on a membrane results in the opening of ion channels. This allows a flow of ions across the membrane which triggers specific signalling pathways. The mechanotransduction response is dynamic with factors such as frequency, static versus cyclic stretch and duration of application influencing dynamic mechanotransduction. (b) Transmission of force can be directed through the cellular cytoskeleton by a combination of fluidization (stop transmission) or reinforcement (enhance transmission) [44]. (c) The magnitude of force applied to a protein filament has been shown to dictate the rate of conformational change. Forces and rates shown were experimentally derived by del Rio et al. [45]. (d) Reinforced structures are more resistant to breaking; reinforcement of the actin structures, for example, can increase the breaking force by a factor of up to 10 000 [46,47]. The transmission of a force along the structure can also aid in the reinforcement of the structure in a positive feedback loop. (Online version in colour.)