Researchers from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute have identified a novel molecule that plays a vital role in the capability of cells detecting when they are being pushed or pulled.
The team aims to shed light on how the small molecule is capable of regulating the sensors known as PIEZO ion channels that are vital to many bodily processes.
PIEZO ion channels are mechano-gated ion channels that open when mechanical stimuli such as shear stretch and membrane stretch are applied, allowing for action potentials to be generated.
MyoD Family Proteins Interact with PIEZO Channels
In this study, the team discovered that proteins called MDFIC and MDFI from the MyoD family interact with PIEZO1/2 channels. These proteins, which control gene expression, bind to PIEZO1/2 channels and affect how the channels deactivate.
Using a technique called cryogenic electron microscopy, the researchers located the site where MDFIC interacts with PIEZO1. This interaction happens through a specific part of MDFIC that is connected to lipids and inserts into the PIEZO1 channel structure.
Potential Future Benefits
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Mechanical forces play a crucial role in maintaining bone health by stimulating bone remodeling and strengthening.
If the interaction between Piezo channels and the MDFIC/MDFI proteins affects how mechanical forces are sensed and transmitted in bone cells, it could influence bone remodeling processes. Changes in these processes might contribute to bone density loss and the development of osteoporosis.
According to the team at Chang Research Centre, this mechanism could be used to treat obesity. When we intake food, the stomach expands and gets stretched, this causes release of hormones and signaling chemicals telling the brain that the stomach is full.
Using the mechanism we could alter the signals in such a way that the stomach signals the brain that it was full earlier mimicking satiety.
Understanding the role of Piezo channels and associated proteins like MDFIC and MDFI could deepen our knowledge of mechanotransduction. This could have broad applications in various fields, from tissue engineering to regenerative medicine.
The interaction between Piezo channels and MDFIC/MDFI proteins could serve as a target for drug development. Small molecules or compounds that modulate this interaction might be developed to influence Piezo channel activity, which could have therapeutic applications in various diseases linked to mechanical force sensing.
The researchers also suggest potential implications for human lymphatic vascular disease. Further investigations into this aspect could uncover new insights into the mechanisms underlying these diseases and potentially lead to therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Cox and team from the Chang Research Institute believe that the research could have potential implications for treating inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.
