Mechanical factors influence β-catenin localization and barrier properties
OPEN ACCESS
Author / Producer
Date
2024
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
Citations
Altmetric
OPEN ACCESS
Data
Rights / License
Abstract
Mechanical forces are of major importance in regulating vascular homeostasis by influencing endothelial cell behavior and functions. Adherens junctions are critical sites for mechanotransduction in endothelial cells. beta-catenin, a component of adherens junctions and the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, plays a role in mechanoactivation. Evidence suggests that beta-catenin is involved in flow sensing and responds to tensional forces, impacting junction dynamics. The mechanoregulation of beta-catenin signaling is context-dependent, influenced by the type and duration of mechanical loads. In endothelial cells, beta-catenin's nuclear translocation and signaling are influenced by shear stress and strain, affecting endothelial permeability. The study investigates how shear stress, strain, and surface topography impact adherens junction dynamics, regulate beta-catenin localization, and influence endothelial barrier properties.Insight box Mechanical loads are potent regulators of endothelial functions through not completely elucidated mechanisms. Surface topography, wall shear stress and cyclic wall deformation contribute overlapping mechanical stimuli to which endothelial monolayer respond to adapt and maintain barrier functions. The use of custom developed flow chamber and bioreactor allows quantifying the response of mature human endothelial to well-defined wall shear stress and gradients of strain. Here, the mechanoregulation of beta-catenin by substrate topography, wall shear stress, and cyclic stretch is analyzed and linked to the monolayer control of endothelial permeability.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
16
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
vascular mechanobiology; β-catenin signalling; mechanotransduction; barrier function
Organisational unit
03605 - Mazza, Edoardo / Mazza, Edoardo
09667 - Falk, Volkmar (ehemalig) / Falk, Volkmar (former)