Neural Mechanisms of Mechanosensation Within the Body

Abstract

The ability to detect mechanical forces plays a critical role in organism behavior and physiology. One of the fundamental means by which we interact with our environment is through touch, which includes the ability to sense mechanical events such as pressure, impact, vibration, and changes in joint position. Similarly, one of the fundamental cues used by internal organ systems to regulate behavior and physiological responses is mechanical force within the body. Sensory systems in the intestinal tract detect stretch as these organs fill with and move food, playing a powerful role in the modulation of eating behavior. In addition, sensory systems also monitor the expansion and relaxation of the lungs during breathing to regulate respiration. Similarly, accurate monitoring of pressure within the vascular system plays a key role in regulation of cardiovascular function. Eating, breathing, and blood circulation constitute basic needs, yet our understanding of the sensory neurobiology in control of these functions is limited. To date, the molecular mechanosensors required remain unknown. However, the discovery of the mammalian mechanosensor Piezo2 raises the interesting possibility that this molecule is not only involved in detection of external mechanical cues in our skin, but may also sub-serve detection of mechanical cues within the internal organs of the body.