Local resonance of mechanosensitive channels

Mechanosensitive channels are crucial biological structures that respond to mechanical stimuli by altering cellular processes. Recent studies suggest that these channels can be activated by ultrasound at specific frequencies, yet the underlying physical mechanisms remain unclear. Membrane tension is known to play a pivotal role in the regulation of mechanosensitive channels. Here, we investigate whether ultrasound can modulate membrane tension to facilitate channel activation. To do so, we develop a theoretical model based on the local resonance of mechanosensitive channels embedded in lipid membranes when subjected to ultrasonic excitation. Our results reveal that ultrasound can induce localized membrane resonance, leading to increased membrane tension in the vicinity of the channel. This tension increase, when occurring at specific resonant frequencies, is sufficient to activate mechanosensitive channels. Furthermore, we establish the effective frequency range for channel activation and examine the influence of key parameters such as ultrasound intensity, channel molecular mass, and damping effects on this range. Our findings provide a mechanistic explanation for ultrasound-induced activation of mechanosensitive channels, offering valuable insights for applications in neuromodulation, targeted therapy, and mechanomedicine.