Mechanotransduction signalling pathways

In complex in vivo environments, it is difficult to clarify the exact effect of a specific force or to delineate the role of a specific signaling pathway in mechanotransduction processes due to the interference of myriad chemical factors and the presence of other mechanical forces. Therefore, investigations on cellular responses to mechanical stimulation have relied heavily on the use of in vitro systems. Table 33.1 summarizes devices that are commonly used to subject cultured cells to flow, stretch, and pressure [52]. These devices expose a large number of cells to well-defined mechanical stimuli that replicate physiological loading. Techniques for applying localized forces to individual cells have been developed. The reader is referred to other resources on the subject [2]. 

Liedert, A., Kaspar, D., Blakytny, R., Claes, L., and Ignatius, A. 2006. Signal transduction pathways involved in mechanotransduction in hone cells. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 349,1-5. 

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