Epithelial cells constantly interact with their surroundings, guiding key physiological processes. These interactions often involve rapid calcium (Ca²⁺) signals, but the mechanical triggers are not well understood. This study uses a light-sensitive azobenzene-based material to create controlled deformations in cell culture substrates. Real-time monitoring reveals that the Piezo1 channel is crucial for generating Ca²⁺ signals in response to nanoscale mechanical changes, particularly shear deformations at the cell-material interface. A computational model shows that sodium (Na⁺) entering with Ca²⁺ through Piezo1 influences the duration of Ca²⁺ signals, affecting both directly stimulated cells and their neighbors. This provides insight into how cells sense and respond to rapid mechanical changes in their environment.
H. Peussa, C. Fedele, H. Tran, M. Marttinen, J. Fadjukov, E. Mäntylä, A. Priimägi, S. Nymark, T. O. Ihalainen, Light-Induced Nanoscale Deformation in Azobenzene Thin Film Triggers Rapid Intracellular Ca2+ Increase via Mechanosensitive Cation Channels. Adv. Sci. 2023, 10, 2206190. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202206190