The mechanobiology of brain function

William J. Tyler

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

245 Scopus citations

Abstract

All cells are influenced by mechanical forces. In the brain, force-generating and load-bearing proteins twist, turn, ratchet, flex, compress, expand and bend to mediate neuronal signalling and plasticity. Although the functions of mechanosensitive proteins have been thoroughly described in classical sensory systems, the effects of endogenous mechanical energy on cellular function in the brain have received less attention, and many working models in neuroscience do not currently integrate principles of cellular mechanics. An understanding of cellular-mechanical concepts is essential to allow the integration of mechanobiology into ongoing studies of brain structure and function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)867-878
Number of pages12
JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience
Volume13
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The mechanobiology of brain function'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this