“Feeling the force” in reproduction: Mechanotransduction in reproductive processes

摘要: Reproductive biologists are well-versed in many types of biochemical signaling, and indeed, there almost innumerable examples reproduction, including steroid peptide hormone receptor-ligand secondary messenger-mediated signaling regulated by membrane channels, others. Among reproductive scientists, a perhaps lesser-known but comparably important mode is mechanotransduction: the concept that cells can sense respond to externally applied or internally generated mechanical forces. Given cell shape changes tissue morphogenesis events components phenomena function, it should be no surprise mechanotransduction has major impacts health pathophysiology. The conference on "Mechanotransduction Tract" was valuable launch pad bring this hot issue development, biology, biophysics, regeneration realm biology. goal meeting stimulate interest increased research field presenting broad spectrum responses impacted process. highlighted importance convening expert investigators, students, fellows, young investigators from number areas resulting cross-fertilization ideas suggested new avenues for study. included talks engineering, stem cells, several uterus cervix gametes. Specific health-relevant areas, uterine fibroids, gestation parturition, breast morphogenesis, received particular attention.