Output details

Ultra-rapid activation of TRPV4 ion channels by mechanical forces applied to cell surface beta1 integrins.

Living cells sense and respond to their mechanical environment, but it remains unknown how mechanical signals influence biochemistry to affect cell function. Using our patented (WO/2006/039675) electromagnetic cell pulling system, we demonstrated that force activation of membrane ion channels occurs within milliseconds. Overby designed and built the electromagnetic control system for millisecond temporal resolution. Data from this study established our expertise in cellular mechanobiology, enabling us to obtain a recent EPSRC grant (£100k, EP/J010499/1) for follow-on studies of how mechanical forces affect endothelial cell barrier function.