Mechanosensitivity of cationic channels of DEG/ENaC family
Vachugova, D.V.; Morachevskaia, E.A.
Tsitologiia 51(10): 806-814
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-3771 PMID: 19950859 Document Number: 635368
The presented article is aimed to review modern insights into the possible role of epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) of the DEG/ENaC family in mechanosensitivity of cells. Contradictory results gained during previuos years at the study of native channels in the cells of renal epithelium and channels overexpressed in different model systems are discussed. The variety of methods used to reveal channel mechanosensity is specially reviewed. We have also focused our attention on the explanation of the functional role of mechanosensitivity in polarized kidney cells. The data reviewed allow us to conlude that ENaC is a mechanosensitive channel which is activated in response to laminar shear stress of renal epithelial cells. Possible molecular basis of the ENaC activation by shear forces is discussed.