G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are found throughout the human body. They are a diverse family of membrane signalling proteins, playing a critical role in health as well as in a number of diseases. Despite a significant amount of research having been undertaken to uncover their physiological roles, there may be a new angle to these signalling proteins, in the form of mechanosensing.

This review by Shetty et al. nicely summarises the emerging themes in mechanosensitive behaviours, potentially uncovering new thinking on a critical cellular component. Arguments are made between direct and indirect mechanosensitive responses, and the authors discuss the complexity of measuring this response in physiological conditions. They neatly summarise the novel approaches to studying this phenomenon and implore researchers to undertake the work.

In essence, this new understanding of GPCRs could pave the way for new insights for those utilising tissues with high levels of mechanical action, potentially unlocking new understanding for cardiovascular elements of disease.

Read the full article in Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 75 e240147 https://doi.org/10.1530/JME-24-0147