A Hierarchical Mechanotransduction System: From Macro to Micro

Mechanotransduction is a strictly regulated process whereby mechanical stimuli, including mechanical forces and properties, are sensed and translated into biochemical signals. Increasing data demonstrate that mechanotransduction is crucial for regulating macroscopic and microscopic dynamics and functionalities. However, the actions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction across multiple hierarchies, from molecules, subcellular structures, cells, tissues/organs, to the whole-body level, have not been yet comprehensively documented. Herein, the biological roles and operational mechanisms of mechanotransduction from macro to micro are revisited, with a focus on the orchestrations across diverse hierarchies. The implications, applications, and challenges of mechanotransduction in human diseases are also summarized and discussed. Together, this knowledge from a hierarchical perspective has the potential to refresh insights into mechanotransduction regulation and disease pathogenesis and therapy, and ultimately revolutionize the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases. Mechanotransduction is a process of translating mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals and performs important regulatory functions at multiple levels, from molecules, subcellular structures, cells, tissues/organs, to whole-body level. This review summarizes the physio-pathological roles and mechanisms of mechanotransduction from macro to micro, emphasizes the significance of mechanotherapy, and discusses the interdisciplinary application, current challenges, and prospects.image