Whereas the primary function of skeletal muscle is to produce force and movement, mechanical forces in turn are critical to control muscle cell decisions and tissue homeostasis. Indeed, skeletal muscle physiologically displays remarkable plasticity and is able to alter its size, structure and function in response to various stimuli, although mechanisms still remain partly unknown. In addition, various mechanical mechanisms, including matrix stiffness, and other mechanical signals transduced from the extracellular matrix can affect the behavior of myogenic and non-myogenic cells and finally regulate muscle development and homeostasis. In many skeletal muscle disorders, mechanosensing and signaling have been found to be specifically or preferentially altered. However, how these alterations impact on muscle structure and function is still obscure and needs to be addressed. This topic is an opportunity to bring together a collection of recent advances in our understanding of mechanosensing and related signaling within skeletal muscle in the context of both physiological and pathological conditions. Contributors are encouraged to submit reviews, mini-reviews, commentaries, perspectives, research articles and short communications.
Whereas the primary function of skeletal muscle is to produce force and movement, mechanical forces in turn are critical to control muscle cell decisions and tissue homeostasis. Indeed, skeletal muscle physiologically displays remarkable plasticity and is able to alter its size, structure and function in response to various stimuli, although mechanisms still remain partly unknown. In addition, various mechanical mechanisms, including matrix stiffness, and other mechanical signals transduced from the extracellular matrix can affect the behavior of myogenic and non-myogenic cells and finally regulate muscle development and homeostasis. In many skeletal muscle disorders, mechanosensing and signaling have been found to be specifically or preferentially altered. However, how these alterations impact on muscle structure and function is still obscure and needs to be addressed. This topic is an opportunity to bring together a collection of recent advances in our understanding of mechanosensing and related signaling within skeletal muscle in the context of both physiological and pathological conditions. Contributors are encouraged to submit reviews, mini-reviews, commentaries, perspectives, research articles and short communications.