Mathematics Colloquia and Seminars

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By virtue of their anatomic position at the interface between the bloodstream and the vascular wall, endothelial cells in medium and large arteries are constantly exposed to a complex and highly dynamic fluid mechanical environment. The ability of endothelial cells to sense and respond to blood flow-derived mechanical forces is essential for fundamental aspects of normal vascular function including vasoregulation and arterial wall remodeling. Furthermore, abnormalities in endothelial responsiveness to flow play an important role in the development of early cardiovascular pathology as well as in complications associated with the deployment of endovascular devices, particularly stents. Although our knowledge of the impact of mechanical stimulation on the endothelium has increased significantly over the past decade, the mechanisms by which endothelial cells sense a mechanical force remain incompletely understood. This talk will present data in support of an important role for flow-sensitive ion channels in the process of flow sensing and transduction in endothelial cells.