Mechanical Regulation of Transcription: Recent Advances. Issue 6 (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wagh, Kaustubh; Ishikawa, Momoko; Garcia, David A.; Stavreva, Diana A.; Upadhyaya, Arpita; Hager, Gordon L.
• Is Part Of: Trends in cell biology. Volume 31:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 457
• Page End: 472
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: mechanosensing -- transcription -- chromatin architecture -- light microscopy -- genomics -- 3D culture; Cytology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Research -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.02.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8924

Abstract

Abstract : Mechanotransduction is the ability of a cell to sense mechanical cues from its microenvironment and convert them into biochemical signals to elicit adaptive transcriptional and other cellular responses. Here, we describe recent advances in the field of mechanical regulation of transcription, highlight mechanical regulation of the epigenome as a key novel aspect of mechanotransduction, and describe recent technological advances that could further elucidate the link between mechanical stimuli and gene expression. In this review, we emphasize the importance of mechanotransduction as one of the governing principles of cancer progression, underscoring the need to conduct further studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in sensing mechanical cues and coordinating transcriptional responses. Highlights: Cells and tissues sense and respond to mechanical stimuli and the physical properties of their environment by engaging specific biochemical pathways and gene expression programs. Recent technological advances in microscopy, genomics, and 3D cell culture systems have demonstrated that mechanotransduction is an integral part of transcription regulation. Mechanical cues lead to epigenetic regulation through direct changes in chromatin accessibility. Spatiotemporal analysis of the transcriptome in vivo in response to mechanical cues will improve our understanding of mechanoreciprocity (the interconnectedness of the cell with its local environment) and will aid the study of complex biological processes such as development, tissue homeostasis, and disease.