Lymphatic endothelial cell calcium pulses are sensitive to spatial gradients in wall shear stress

• DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-10-0618
• Publication Date: 2019-02-27T12:34:26Z
• Authors: Vinay N. Surya; Eleftheria Michalaki; Gerald G. Fuller; Alexander R. Dunn
• Keywords: Second messenger system; Lymphatic Endothelium; Dynamics; Cell type

Cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous second messenger that influences numerous aspects of cellular function. In many cell types, cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations are characterized by periodic pulses, whose dynamics can influence downstream signal transduction. Here, we examine the general question how cells use pulses to encode input stimuli in context response lymphatic endothelial (LECs) fluid flow. Previous work shows flow regulates LECs and Ca2+-dependent signaling plays key role regulating valve formation during embryonic development. However, might pulse individual has remained, our knowledge, little explored. We used live-cell imaging characterize exposed an vitro device generates spatial gradients wall shear stress (WSS), such as found at sites formation. frequency was sensitive magnitude WSS, while duration increased presence WSS. These observations provide example separately modulate distinct forms information, phenomenon could extend other types.