Effects of Mechanical Strain on Structural and Actin-Binding Proteins in Neuroblasts

Mechanical stimulation affects the functioning and outgrowth of neurons and has the potential capacity for regeneration. Mechanoreceptors in sensory neurons act as a conduit to respond to pain and touch while neurites experience mechanical stimulation during the process of animal growth. To understand mechanotransduction in neural outgrowth, we used a custom fabricated device to investigate the effects of static mechanical stretching while examining molecular connections such as advillin and actin. Our results have the potential of providing greater understanding of mechanotransduction in neuroblasts, as well as providing insight into mechanical approaches that might be used in increasing neural outgrowth.