Cite a specific pathway whereby Integrin could be involved i

Cite a specific pathway whereby Integrin could be involved in mechanotransduction.

Solution

Integrins are receptors occurring across a cell membrane which act as connectors for cell-cell as well as cell-extracellular matrix; mechanootransduction is the mechanism of converting mechanical stimulus into electrical activity.

Integrins help in transmitting mechanical stresses across the plasma membrane which results into the development of motion generating force in the cytoskeleton, thereby conveying to the extracellular matrix. In various experiments especially in vitro it has been seen that forces are transmitted through cell contacts with the subtsratum implying the role of integrins in mechanotransduction; effects of strain on focal adhesion signalling also cites the role of integrins in mechanotransduction, and the ECM/integrins specificity is another imprtant evidence.

Reference

1.Katsumi, A., Wayne Orr, A.,Tzima, E., & Schwartz, M, A.(2004). Integrins in Mechanotransduction. Journal of Biological Chemistry.