Figure 2: Comparing modes of mechanical stimulation.
From: Tuning Piezo ion channels to detect molecular-scale movements relevant for fine touch
(a) RA, IA and SA currents were observed on mechanical indentation of the soma, neurites or on deflection of a neurite-bound pilus. (b) On neurite indentation and pillar deflection, a higher variability was observed in the current types measured within a single cell (χ2 test; ***P<0.001). Data collected from 23 cells in all three conditions; soma and neurite indentation represent matched data; pillar deflection is data from a separate set of cells. (c) Schematic representation of mechanical stimulation. Cell indentation studies require propagation of the physical stimulus via the cell to the cell-substrate interface. In contrast, deflecting a single pilus allows a defined stimulus to be applied directly at localized cell–matrix contacts.
