Mechanostimulation of neuroendocrine cells and their clinical relevance

Mechanosensitive channels uniquely convert mechanical stimuli like pressure or stretch into electrochemical signals. They largely function as ion channels that create changes in electrochemical gradients across membranes. Mammals express a variety of mechanosensitive channels including piezo and transient receptor potential family members that have demonstrated essential functions in excitable tissues. Although the role of mechanosensitive channels has become well established in nervous tissues, the role of these channels in other excitable tissues is only now becoming apparent. Neuroendocrine cells are similarly excitable tissue but also have the endocrine-specific ability to produce and secrete hormones. Here, we summarize the typical function of various neuroendocrine cells while highlighting the roles of mechanosensitive channels in each with further elaboration of their clinical and functional uses.