Sensors, transducers, and effectors that regulate cell size and shape

Abstract

Cell volume and shape are stringently regulated. This homeostasis requires the cells to sense their size and shape and to convey this information to effectors that will counteract deformations induced by osmotic or mechanical challenges. The sensors, transducers, and effectors of volume change are the subject of this review.

FIGURE 1.

Volume regulatory responses. A schematic representation of the solute transport pathways engaged in RVD and RVI is shown. Channels/uniports are shown in purple, exchangers in blue, and cotransporters in green. GPC, glycerophosphocholine; TauT, taurine transporter; AE, anion exchanger; SMIT, sodium myo-inositol transporter.