How cells channel their stress: Interplay between Piezo1 and the cytoskeleton

Abstract Cells constantly encounter mechanicalstimuli in their environment, such as dynamic forces and mechanicalfeatures of the extracellular matrix. These mechanicalcues are transduced into biochemical signals, and integrated with genetic and chemical signals to modulate diverse physiological processes. Cells also actively generate forcesto internally transport cargo, to explore the physical properties of their environment and to spatially position themselves and other cells during development. Mechanicalforces are therefore central to development, homeostasis, and repair. Several molecular and biophysical strategies are utilized by cells for detecting and generating mechanicalforces. Here we discuss an important class of molecules involved in sensing and transducing mechanicalforces – mechanically-activated ion channels. We focus primarily on the Piezo1 ion channel, and examine its relationship with the cellular cytoskeleton.