Role of microtubules in Piezo2 mechanotransduction of mouse Merkel cells
Weipang Chang, Jianguo G. Gu
Abstract
Piezo2 channels are expressed in Merkel cells to mediate mechanotransduction leading to the sense of touch. Here we determined the role of microtubules in regulating Piezo2-mediated mechanotransduction in Merkel cells. Piezo2-mediated currents in Merkel cells are potentiated by microtubule stabilizer paclitaxel but reduced by microtubule destabilizer vincristine. Mechanically evoked afferent impulses are also enhanced by microtubule stabilizers and suppressed by microtubule destabilizers. Microtubules may play an essential role in Piezo2 mechanotransduction in Merkel cells.
Topics & Concepts
MechanotransductionMerkel cellMicrotubuleNeuroscienceCell biologyNocodazoleBiologyCytoskeletonMerkel cell carcinomaCellGeneticsCarcinomaErythrocyte Function and PathophysiologyIon channel regulation and functionPlanarian Biology and Electrostimulation