cellular response to fluid shear stress

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a fluid shear stress stimulus. Fluid shear stress is the force acting on an object in a system where the fluid is moving across a solid surface. [GOC:mah]

Cellular response to fluid shear stress is a complex process involving a cascade of signaling events that ultimately lead to changes in cellular behavior and gene expression. Fluid shear stress, the force exerted by flowing fluid on the cell surface, is a ubiquitous mechanical stimulus encountered by cells in various physiological contexts, including blood flow in the vasculature, air flow in the lungs, and fluid flow in the kidney tubules.

Upon encountering fluid shear stress, cells initiate a series of mechanotransductive pathways that convert the mechanical force into biochemical signals. These pathways involve specialized cell surface receptors, cytoskeletal components, and intracellular signaling molecules.

Key events in cellular response to fluid shear stress include:

- **Mechanosensation:** Cells sense fluid shear stress through specialized receptors, such as integrins, cadherins, and ion channels. These receptors are embedded in the cell membrane and directly interact with the extracellular matrix or neighboring cells.
- **Cytoskeletal Remodeling:** The cytoskeleton, a network of protein filaments, plays a crucial role in transmitting mechanical forces and orchestrating cellular responses. Fluid shear stress triggers changes in the organization and dynamics of the cytoskeleton, including the actin filaments and microtubules.
- **Signal Transduction:** Mechanosensory receptors activate intracellular signaling pathways, leading to the production of second messengers such as Ca2+ and the activation of downstream signaling proteins. These signaling pathways involve protein kinases, phosphatases, and transcription factors.
- **Gene Expression:** Changes in gene expression are a hallmark of cellular response to fluid shear stress. The activated signaling pathways regulate the transcription of target genes involved in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and migration.
- **Cellular Adaptation:** The cumulative effects of fluid shear stress lead to cellular adaptation, enabling cells to maintain their integrity and function in the face of mechanical forces. This adaptation involves changes in cell morphology, cytoskeletal structure, and gene expression.

Examples of cellular responses to fluid shear stress include:

- **Endothelial cells:** Fluid shear stress promotes endothelial cell alignment, increases nitric oxide production, and enhances barrier function.
- **Smooth muscle cells:** Fluid shear stress triggers smooth muscle cell relaxation and reduces blood pressure.
- **Osteoblasts:** Fluid shear stress stimulates bone formation by increasing the production of bone matrix proteins.
- **Cancer cells:** Fluid shear stress can influence cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

The cellular response to fluid shear stress is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Dysregulation of this process can contribute to the development of various diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cancer.'
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