This gene encodes a transmembrane protein component of a mechanosensitve ion channel that is activated by mechanical stimuli in various cell types and confers slowly adapting, mechanically activated currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Mechanically activated ion channels are sensors that are critical for hearing, touch, pain, and blood pressure regulation. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2017] see less This gene encodes a transmembrane protein component of a mechanosensitve ion channel that is activated by mechanical stimuli in various cell types and confers slowly adapting, mechanically activated currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Mechanically activated ion channels are sensors that are critical for hearing, touch, pain, and blood pressure regulation. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2017]