The present invention relates to a cytoskeletal system composed of purified components which allow for the identification of key proteins involved in mechanotransduction. The system comprises a cytoskeleton network deficient in force-dependent proteins, exogenous proteins in contact with the cytoskeleton network, a means for applying a force to the cytoskeleton network, and a means for identifying any of the exogenous proteins that bind to the cytoskeleton network when a force is applied to the cytoskeleton network, wherein proteins identified are involved in mechanotransduction. The invention further relates to a method for identifying proteins involved in mechanotransduction using the cytoskeletal system of the present invention. The identification of key players involved in mechanotransduction allows for the identification of agents capable of inhibiting or enhancing mechanotransduction.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING PROTEINS INVOLVED IN FORCE-INITIATED SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION