mechanosensitive monoatomic cation channel activity
Definition
Target type: molecularfunction
Enables the transmembrane transfer of a monoatomic cation by a channel that opens in response to a mechanical stress. [GOC:ha, PMID:22343900]
Mechanosensitive monoatomic cation channel activity is a molecular function associated with transmembrane proteins that act as pores in cellular membranes. These channels open or close in response to mechanical stimuli, such as changes in membrane tension, pressure, or stretch. This allows for the selective passage of monoatomic cations, including sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and hydrogen (H+) ions, across the membrane.
The process begins with the binding of a mechanical force to the channel protein, which induces a conformational change in the protein structure. This change alters the channel's permeability, allowing for the movement of specific ions. The flow of ions through the channel can then trigger downstream signaling pathways, ultimately influencing cellular processes such as:
- **Cell volume regulation:** Channels play a vital role in maintaining proper cell volume by regulating the influx and efflux of ions and water.
- **Sensory perception:** Mechanosensitive channels are crucial for detecting mechanical stimuli in various sensory systems, including hearing, touch, and proprioception.
- **Excitation and contraction:** In muscle cells, these channels contribute to the propagation of action potentials and the regulation of muscle contraction.
- **Cell growth and differentiation:** These channels influence cell growth and development by regulating the movement of essential ions.
- **Pathological conditions:** Dysregulation of mechanosensitive channels has been implicated in various diseases, including hypertension, deafness, and neurodegenerative disorders.
The specific ions allowed to pass through the channel and the nature of the mechanical stimulus that triggers channel opening vary depending on the specific protein and its cellular location. However, all mechanosensitive monoatomic cation channels share the common feature of being activated by mechanical force, leading to the selective transport of ions across the cellular membrane.'
"
Proteins (1)
| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 | A piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q92508] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compounds (1)
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| yoda 1 | yoda 1 : A member of the class of thiadiazoles that is 1,3,4-thiadiazole substituted by pyrazin-2-yl and (2,6-dichlorobenzyl)sulfanediyl groups at positions 2 and 5, respectively. It is a selective activator of mechanosensitive channel piezo1. yoda-1: small molecule activator of Piezo-1 | aromatic compound; dichlorobenzene; organic sulfide; pyrazines; thiadiazoles | glycine transporter 2 inhibitor; piezo1 agonist |