Endothelial cellular response to altered shear stress

Endothelial cells are normally exposed constantly to mechanical forces that significantly influence their phenotype. This symposium presented recent information concerning endothelial cell responses to shear stress associated with blood flow. Endothelial cell shear stress mechanosensors that have been proposed include membrane receptor kinases, integrins, G proteins, ion channels, intercellular junction proteins, membrane lipids (e.g., those associated with caveolae), and the cytoskeleton. These sensors are linked to signaling cascades that interact with or result in generation of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and various transcription factors among other responses. Endothelial cells adapt to sustained shear stress, and either an increase or decrease from normal shear leads to signaling events. In vitro models for the study of endothelial cell responses must consider the pattern of shear stress (e.g., steady vs. oscillatory flow), the scaffold for cell growth (e.g., basement membrane or other cell types such as smooth muscle cells), and the extent of flow adaptation. These cellular responses have major relevance for understanding the pathophysiological effects of increased shear stress associated with hypertension or decreased shear stress associated with thrombotic occlusion.