Cyclic Mechanical Stretch Induces Cardiomyocyte Orientation and Polarization of the Gap Junction Protein Connexin43

Abstract

CMS results in self-organization of cardiomyocytes leading to elongated cells orientated transverse to the stretch axis, enhanced Cx43 expression and Cx43 accentuation at the cell poles. The Cx43-changes seem to depend on the ERK1/2 signaling cascade.