*2.3. Mechanosensitive Ion Channels*

Mechanosensitive ion channels are a further mechanism implicated in MSCs' mechanotransduction on stiff matrices. These ion channels are sensitive to substrate stiffness. Upon mechanical stimulation, they allow the intracellular influx of ions and can form complexes with stress fibers, eliciting intracellular signaling pathways [108]. Mechanical stimulation affects cell differentiation through a change in calcium influx through activated channels [109]. The change in the calcium influx results in the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway [110].
