Force-detecting protein senses when lungs fill with air
Mouse study reveals mechanical sensor that helps regulate breathing
BREATHLESS Nerve endings in the lungs send signals — triggered by force-detecting proteins — to the brain and spinal cord that help regulate breathing. When mice lack these proteins in particular clusters of nerves, the mice either die within 24 hours of birth (blue, purple) or have breathing problems as adults (red).
C. Goridis/Nature 2016
Scientists investigating what keeps lungs from overinflating can quit holding their breath.