A molecular mechanism for mechanical activation ofendothelial cells

摘要

In this brief review, we will present evidence that platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) is a mechanoresponsive molecule. When endothelial cells (ECs) are exposed to mechanical stress, PECAM-1 is tyrosine-phosphoiylated and recruits SHP-2 and Gabl to the area of cell-cell attachment.These events are necessary for ERK activation by fluid shear stress (FSS) and cyclic stretch in endothelial cells.Both PECAM-1 tyrosine phosphorylation and ERK activation can be achieved by applying mechanical force directly on PECAM-1, suggesting that PECAM-1 is a mechanotransduction molecule.