Expression and function of mechanosensitive ion channels in human valve interstitial cells.

Background: The ability of heart valve cells to respond to their mechanical environment represents a key mechanism by which the integrity and function of valve cusps is maintained. A number of different mechanotransduction pathways have been implicated in the response of valve cells to mechanical stimulation. In this study, we explore the expression pattern of several mechanosensitive ion channels (MSC) and their potential to mediate mechanosensitive responses of human valve interstitial cells (VIC).