GLYCOCALYX AND MECHANOTRANSDUCTION

Glycocalyx on the surface of vascular endothelial cells is of a hair-like structure composed of various proteoglycans and glycoproteins and is a barrier with selective permeability for the vascular wall.It has been known that glycocalyx can assist red blood cells in their motion through capillaries,prevent the adhesion of blood cells and participate in signal communications.It has been well documented that glycocalyx may also take part in shear stress sensing and transduction.This article briefly reviews the physiological functions of glycocalyx with particular emphases on its roles in mechanotransduction.