Novel mechano-signalling pathways at sites of cellular adhesion

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Piezo channels are membrane proteins that detect mechanical cues and underlie our sense of touch. We aim to characterize the first protein regulator of Piezo channels by developing and utilizing novel technologies including acoustic forces to monitor Piezo channel function. The significance of this study is underscored by the wide spread expression of Piezo channels and their involvement in many cellular processes. Expected outcomes are novel technologies to study mechanobiology, patentable peptide-based Piezo modulators and a new conceptual paradigm for understanding cellular mechanosensing. This knowledge will benefit a broad scientific community through technological advancements and pharmacological agents to manipulate Piezo channels.