Endothelial upregulation of mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 in pulmonary hypertension

Piezo1 and its inhibitors: Overview and perspectives

The cation channel Piezo1, a crucial mechanotransducer found in various organs and tissues, has gained considerable attention as a therapeutic target in recent years. Following this trend, several Piezo1 inhibitors have been discovered and studied for potential pharmacological properties. This review provides an overview of the structural and functional importance of Piezo1, as well as discussing the biological activities of Piezo1 inhibitors based on their mechanism of action. The compounds addressed include the toxin GsMTx4, Aβ peptides, certain fatty acids, ruthenium red and gadolinium, Dooku1, as well as the natural products tubeimoside I, salvianolic acid B, jatrorrhzine, and escin. The findings revealed that misexpression of Piezo1 can be associated with a number of chronic diseases, including hypertension, cancer, and hemolytic anemia. Consequently, inhibiting Piezo1 and the subsequent calcium influx can have beneficial effects on various pathological processes, as shown by many in vitro and in vivo studies. However, the development of Piezo1 inhibitors is still in its beginnings, with many opportunities and challenges remaining to be explored.

Mechanotransduction and the extracellular matrix: Key drivers of lung pathologies and drug responsiveness

The lung is a biomechanically active organ, with multiscale mechanical forces impacting the organ, tissue and cellular responses within this microenvironment. In chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and others, the structure of the lung is drastically altered impeding gas exchange. These changes are, in part, reflected in alterations in the composition, amount and organization of the extracellular matrix within the different lung compartments. The transmission of mechanical forces within lung tissue are broadcast by this complex mix of extracellular matrix components, in particular the collagens, elastin and proteoglycans and the crosslinking of these components. At both a macro and a micro level, the mechanical properties of the microenvironment have a key regulatory role in ascertaining cellular responses and the function of the lung. Cells adhere to, and receive signals from, the extracellular matrix through a number of different surface receptors and complexes which are important for mechanotransduction. This review summarizes the multiscale mechanics in the lung and how the mechanical environment changes in lung disease and aging. We then examine the role of mechanotransduction in driving cell signaling events in lung diseases and finish with a future perspective of the need to consider how such forces may impact pharmacological responsiveness in lung diseases.

Piezo1 and Its Function in Different Blood Cell Lineages

Mechanosensation is a fundamental function through which cells sense mechanical stimuli by initiating intracellular ion currents. Ion channels play a pivotal role in this process by orchestrating a cascade of events leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways in response to particular stimuli. Piezo1 is a cation channel that reacts with Ca2+ influx in response to pressure sensation evoked by tension on the cell lipid membrane, originating from cell-cell, cell-matrix, or hydrostatic pressure forces, such as laminar flow and shear stress. The application of such forces takes place in normal physiological processes of the cell, but also in the context of different diseases, where microenvironment stiffness or excessive/irregular hydrostatic pressure dysregulates the normal expression and/or activation of Piezo1. Since Piezo1 is expressed in several blood cell lineages and mutations of the channel have been associated with blood cell disorders, studies have focused on its role in the development and function of blood cells. Here, we review the function of Piezo1 in different blood cell lineages and related diseases, with a focus on megakaryocytes and platelets.

PIEZO Ion Channels in Cardiovascular Functions and Diseases

The cardiovascular system provides blood supply throughout the body and as such is perpetually applying mechanical forces to cells and tissues. Thus, this system is primed with mechanosensory structures that respond and adapt to changes in mechanical stimuli. Since their discovery in 2010, PIEZO ion channels have dominated the field of mechanobiology. These have been proposed as the long-sought-after mechanosensitive excitatory channels involved in touch and proprioception in mammals. However, more and more pieces of evidence point to the importance of PIEZO channels in cardiovascular activities and disease development. PIEZO channel-related cardiac functions include transducing hemodynamic forces in endothelial and vascular cells, red blood cell homeostasis, platelet aggregation, and arterial blood pressure regulation, among others. PIEZO channels contribute to pathological conditions including cardiac hypertrophy and pulmonary hypertension and congenital syndromes such as generalized lymphatic dysplasia and xerocytosis. In this review, we highlight recent advances in understanding the role of PIEZO channels in cardiovascular functions and diseases. Achievements in this quickly expanding field should open a new road for efficient control of PIEZO-related diseases in cardiovascular functions.

Cholesterol regulation of mechanosensitive ion channels

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the role of cholesterol in regulating mechanosensitive ion channels. Ion channels discussed in this review are sensitive to two types of mechanical signals, fluid shear stress and/or membrane stretch. Cholesterol regulates the channels primarily in two ways: 1) indirectly through localizing the channels into cholesterol-rich membrane domains where they interact with accessory proteins and/or 2) direct binding of cholesterol to the channel at specified putative binding sites. Cholesterol may also regulate channel function via changes of the biophysical properties of the membrane bilayer. Changes in cholesterol affect both mechanosensitivity and basal channel function. We focus on four mechanosensitive ion channels in this review Piezo, Kir2, TRPV4, and VRAC channels. Piezo channels were shown to be regulated by auxiliary proteins that enhance channel function in high cholesterol domains. The direct binding mechanism was shown in Kir2.1 and TRPV4 where cholesterol inhibits channel function. Finally, cholesterol regulation of VRAC was attributed to changes in the physical properties of lipid bilayer. Additional studies should be performed to determine the physiological implications of these sterol effects in complex cellular environments.

Pathophysiology and Genetic Associations of Varicose Veins: A Narrative Review

Varicose veins (VVs) have a high prevalence worldwide and have become a major medical burden. Their pathophysiology involves a complex interplay of inflammation and tissue remodeling, and current treatment is limited by its impact on the pathophysiological mechanisms. In addition, despite clear environmental factors, family history is an important risk factor, suggesting a genetic component to the risk of developing VVs. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases has benefited greatly from the expansion of population genetic studies, from pioneering family studies to large genome-wide association studies; we now find multiple risk loci for each venous disease. This review considers the pathophysiology of VVs, highlighting the current state of genetic knowledge. We also propose future directions for research.

Spider-Venom Peptides: Structure, Bioactivity, Strategy, and Research Applications

Spiders (Araneae), having thrived for over 300 million years, exhibit remarkable diversity, with 47,000 described species and an estimated 150,000 species in existence. Evolving with intricate venom, spiders are nature's skilled predators. While only a small fraction of spiders pose a threat to humans, their venoms contain complex compounds, holding promise as drug leads. Spider venoms primarily serve to immobilize prey, achieved through neurotoxins targeting ion channels. Peptides constitute a major part of these venoms, displaying diverse pharmacological activities, and making them appealing for drug development. Moreover, spider-venom peptides have emerged as valuable tools for exploring human disease mechanisms. This review focuses on the roles of spider-venom peptides in spider survival strategies and their dual significance as pharmaceutical research tools. By integrating recent discoveries, it provides a comprehensive overview of these peptides, their targets, bioactivities, and their relevance in spider survival and medical research.

Integration of Chemo-mechanical signaling in response to fluid shear stress by the endothelium

Physical forces exert profound effects on cells affecting fate, function, and response to stressors. In the case of the endothelium, the layer that resides in the inner surface of blood vessels, the collective effect of hemodynamic forces influences the onset and severity of vascular pathologies. Justifiably, much emphasis has been placed in understanding how endothelial cells sense and respond to mechanical challenges, particularly hemodynamic shear stress. In this review, we highlight recent developments that have expanded our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying mechanotransduction. We describe examples of protein compartmentalization in response to shear stress, consider the contribution of the glycocalyx, and discuss the specific role ion channels in response to flow. We also highlight the recently recognized contribution of the receptor ALK5 in sensing turbulent flow. Research in the last three years has enriched our understanding of the molecular landscape responsible for recognizing and transducing shear stress responses, including novel transcriptional-dependent and transcriptional-independent mechanisms.

Piezo channels in stretch effects on developing human airway smooth muscle

The use of respiratory support strategies such as continuous positive airway pressure in premature infants can substantially stretch highly compliant perinatal airways, leading to airway hyperreactivity and remodeling in the long term. The mechanisms by which stretch detrimentally affects the airway are unknown. Airway smooth muscle cells play a critical role in contractility and remodeling. Using 18-22-wk gestation human fetal airway smooth muscle (fASM) as an in vitro model, we tested the hypothesis that mechanosensitive Piezo (PZ) channels contribute to stretch effects. We found that PZ1 and PZ2 channels are expressed in the smooth muscle of developing airways and that their expression is influenced by stretch. PZ activation via agonist Yoda1 or stretch results in significant [Ca2+]i responses as well as increased extracellular matrix production. These data suggest that functional PZ channels may play a role in detrimental stretch-induced airway changes in the context of prematurity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Piezo channels were first described just over a decade ago and their function in the lung is largely unknown. We found that piezo channels are present and functional in the developing airway and contribute to intracellular calcium responses and extracellular matrix remodeling in the setting of stretch. This may improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind development of chronic airway diseases, such as asthma, in former preterm infants exposed to respiratory support, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Impact of aging on vascular ion channels: perspectives and knowledge gaps across major organ systems

Individuals aged ≥65 yr will comprise ∼20% of the global population by 2030. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the world with age-related endothelial "dysfunction" as a key risk factor. As an organ in and of itself, vascular endothelium courses throughout the mammalian body to coordinate blood flow to all other organs and tissues (e.g., brain, heart, lung, skeletal muscle, gut, kidney, skin) in accord with metabolic demand. In turn, emerging evidence demonstrates that vascular aging and its comorbidities (e.g., neurodegeneration, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, heart failure, and cancer) are "channelopathies" in large part. With an emphasis on distinct functional traits and common arrangements across major organs systems, the present literature review encompasses regulation of vascular ion channels that underlie blood flow control throughout the body. The regulation of myoendothelial coupling and local versus conducted signaling are discussed with new perspectives for aging and the development of chronic diseases. Although equipped with an awareness of knowledge gaps in the vascular aging field, a section has been included to encompass general feasibility, role of biological sex, and additional conceptual and experimental considerations (e.g., cell regression and proliferation, gene profile analyses). The ultimate goal is for the reader to see and understand major points of deterioration in vascular function while gaining the ability to think of potential mechanistic and therapeutic strategies to sustain organ perfusion and whole body health with aging.

Mechanotransductive receptor Piezo1 as a promising target in the treatment of fibrosis diseases

Fibrosis could happen in every organ, leading to organic malfunction and even organ failure, which poses a serious threat to global health. Early treatment of fibrosis has been reported to be the turning point, therefore, exploring potential correlates in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and how to reverse fibrosis has become a pressing issue. As a mechanism-sensitive cationic calcium channel, Piezo1 turns on in response to changes in the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. Piezo1 exerts multiple biological roles, including inhibition of inflammation, cytoskeletal stabilization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stromal stiffness, and immune cell mechanotransduction, interestingly enough. These processes are closely associated with the development of fibrotic diseases. Recent studies have shown that deletion or knockdown of Piezo1 attenuates the onset of fibrosis. Therefore, in this paper we comprehensively describe the biology of this gene, focusing on its potential relevance in pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, pancreatic fibrosis, and cardiac fibrosis diseases, except for the role of drugs (agonists), increased intracellular calcium and mechanical stress using this gene in alleviating fibrosis.

Potential Roles of Metals in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary and Systemic Hypertension

Pulmonary and systemic hypertension (PH, SH) are characterized by vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling resulting in increased vascular resistance and pulmonary/aortic artery pressures. The chronic stress leads to inflammation, oxidative stress, and infiltration by immune cells. Roles of metals in these diseases, particularly PH are largely unknown. This review first discusses the pathophysiology of PH including vascular oxidative stress, inflammation, and remodeling in PH; mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic changes in PH; ion channel and its alterations in the pathogenesis of PH as well as PH-associated right ventricular (RV) remodeling and dysfunctions. This review then summarizes metal general features and essentiality for the cardiovascular system and effects of metals on systemic blood pressure. Lastly, this review explores non-essential and essential metals and potential roles of their dyshomeostasis in PH and RV dysfunction. Although it remains early to conclude the role of metals in the pathogenesis of PH, emerging direct and indirect evidence implicates the possible contributions of metal-mediated toxicities in the development of PH. Future research should focus on comprehensive clinical metallomics study in PH patients; mechanistic evaluations to elucidate roles of various metals in PH animal models; and novel therapy clinical trials targeting metals. These important discoveries will significantly advance our understandings of this rare yet fatal disease, PH.

Piezo1 in Digestive System Function and Dysfunction

Piezo1, a non-selective cation channel directly activated by mechanical forces, is widely expressed in the digestive system and participates in biological functions physiologically and pathologically. In this review, we summarized the latest insights on Piezo1's cellular effect across the entire digestive system, and discussed the role of Piezo1 in various aspects including ingestion and digestion, material metabolism, enteric nervous system, intestinal barrier, and inflammatory response within digestive system. The goal of this comprehensive review is to provide a solid foundation for future research about Piezo1 in digestive system physiologically and pathologically.

Role of heparanase in pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathophysiological condition of increased pulmonary circulation vascular resistance due to various reasons, which mainly leads to right heart dysfunction and even death, especially in critically ill patients. Although drug interventions have shown some efficacy in improving the hemodynamics of PH patients, the mortality rate remains high. Hence, the identification of new targets and treatment strategies for PH is imperative. Heparanase (HPA) is an enzyme that specifically cleaves the heparan sulfate (HS) side chains in the extracellular matrix, playing critical roles in inflammation and tumorigenesis. Recent studies have indicated a close association between HPA and PH, suggesting HPA as a potential therapeutic target. This review examines the involvement of HPA in PH pathogenesis, including its effects on endothelial cells, inflammation, and coagulation. Furthermore, HPA may serve as a biomarker for diagnosing PH, and the development of HPA inhibitors holds promise as a targeted therapy for PH treatment.

The Role of the Piezo1 Mechanosensitive Channel in Heart Failure

Mechanotransduction (MT) is inseparable from the pathobiology of heart failure (HF). However, the effects of mechanical forces on HF remain unclear. This review briefly describes how Piezo1 functions in HF-affected cells, including endothelial cells (ECs), cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), cardiomyocytes (CMs), and immune cells. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel that has been extensively studied in recent years. Piezo1 responds to different mechanical forces and converts them into intracellular signals. The pathways that modulate the Piezo1 switch have also been briefly described. Experimental drugs that specifically activate Piezo1-like proteins, such as Yoda1, Jedi1, and Jedi2, are available for clinical studies to treat Piezo1-related diseases. The only mechanosensitive ion-channel-specific inhibitor available is GsMTx4, which can turn off Piezo1 by modulating the local membrane tension. Ultrasound waves can modulate Piezo1 switching in vitro with the assistance of microbubbles. This review provides new possible targets for heart failure therapy by exploring the cellular functions of Piezo1 that are involved in the progression of the disease. Modulation of Piezo1 activity may, therefore, effectively delay the progression of heart failure.

Piezo1 opposes age-associated cortical bone loss

As we age, our bones undergo a process of loss, often accompanied by muscle weakness and reduced physical activity. This is exacerbated by decreased responsiveness to mechanical stimulation in aged skeleton, leading to the hypothesis that decreased mechanical stimulation plays an important role in age-related bone loss. Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, is critical for bone homeostasis and mechanotransduction. Here, we observed a decrease in Piezo1 expression with age in both murine and human cortical bone. Furthermore, loss of Piezo1 in osteoblasts and osteocytes resulted in an increase in age-associated cortical bone loss compared to control mice. The loss of cortical bone was due to an expansion of the endosteal perimeter resulting from increased endocortical resorption. In addition, expression of Tnfrsf11b, encoding anti-osteoclastogenic protein OPG, decreases with Piezo1 in vitro and in vivo in bone cells, suggesting that Piezo1 suppresses osteoclast formation by promoting Tnfrsf11b expression. Our results highlight the importance of Piezo1-mediated mechanical signaling in protecting against age-associated cortical bone loss by inhibiting bone resorption in mice.

Shear stress control of vascular leaks and atheromas through Tie2 activation by VE-PTP sequestration

Vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) influences endothelial barrier function by regulating the activation of tyrosine kinase receptor Tie2. We determined whether this action is linked to the development of atherosclerosis by examining the influence of arterial shear stress on VE-PTP, Tie2 activation, plasma leakage, and atherogenesis. We found that exposure to high average shear stress led to downstream polarization and endocytosis of VE-PTP accompanied by Tie2 activation at cell junctions. In aortic regions with disturbed flow, VE-PTP was not redistributed away from Tie2. Endothelial cells exposed to high shear stress had greater Tie2 activation and less macromolecular permeability than regions with disturbed flow. Deleting endothelial VE-PTP in VE-PTPiECKO mice increased Tie2 activation and reduced plasma leakage in atheroprone regions. ApoE-/- mice bred with VE-PTPiECKO mice had less plasma leakage and fewer atheromas on a high-fat diet. Pharmacologic inhibition of VE-PTP by AKB-9785 had similar anti-atherogenic effects. Together, the findings identify VE-PTP as a novel target for suppression of atherosclerosis.

Activation of Piezo1 downregulates renin in juxtaglomerular cells and contributes to blood pressure homeostasis

BACKGROUND

The synthesis and secretion of renin in juxtaglomerular (JG) cells are closely regulated by the blood pressure. To date, however, the molecular identity through which JG cells respond to the blood pressure remains unclear.

RESULTS

Here we discovered that Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, was colocalized with renin in mouse kidney as well as As4.1 cells, a commonly used JG cell line. Activation of Piezo1 by its agonist Yoda1 induced an intracellular calcium increase and downregulated the expression of renin in these cells, while knockout of Piezo1 in JG cells abolished the effect of Yoda1. Meanwhile, mechanical stress using microfluidics also induced an intracellular calcium increase in wildtype but not Piezo1 knockout JG cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that activation of Piezo1 upregulated the Ptgs2 expression via the calcineurin-NFAT pathway and increased the production of Ptgs2 downstream molecule PGE₂ in JG cells. Surprisingly, we discovered that increased PGE₂ could decreased the renin expression through the PGE₂ receptor EP1 and EP3, which inhibited the cAMP production in JG cells. In mice, we found that activation of Piezo1 significantly downregulated the renin expression and blood pressure in wildtype but not adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated kidney specific Piezo1 knockdown mice.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, these results revealed that activation of Piezo1 could downregulate the renin expression in JG cells and mice, subsequently a reduction of blood pressure, highlighting its therapeutic potential as a drug target of the renin-angiotensin system.

Loss of lung microvascular endothelial Piezo2 expression impairs NO synthesis, induces EndMT, and is associated with pulmonary hypertension

Mechanical forces are translated into biochemical stimuli by mechanotransduction channels, such as the mechanically activated cation channel Piezo2. Lung Piezo2 expression has recently been shown to be restricted to endothelial cells. Hence, we aimed to investigate the role of Piezo2 in regulation of pulmonary vascular function and structure, as well as its contribution to development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The expression of Piezo2 was significantly reduced in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) from patients with PAH, in lung tissue from mice with a Bmpr2^+/R899X knock-in mutation commonly found in patients with pulmonary hypertension, and in lung tissue of monocrotaline (MCT) and sugen-hypoxia-induced PH (SuHx) PAH rat models, as well as from a swine model with pulmonary vein banding. In MVECs, Piezo2 expression was reduced in response to abnormal shear stress, hypoxia, and TGFβ stimulation. Functional studies in MVECs exposed to shear stress illustrated that siRNA-mediated Piezo2 knockdown impaired endothelial alignment, calcium influx, phosphorylation of AKT, and nitric oxide production. In addition, siPiezo2 reduced the expression of the endothelial marker PECAM-1 and increased the expression of vascular smooth muscle markers ACTA2, SM22a, and calponin. Thus, Piezo2 acts as a mechanotransduction channel in pulmonary MVECs, stimulating shear-induced production of nitric oxide and is essentially involved in preventing endothelial to mesenchymal transition. Its blunted expression in pulmonary hypertension could impair the vasodilator capacity and stimulate vascular remodeling, indicating that Piezo2 might be an interesting therapeutic target to attenuate progression of the disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanosensory ion channel Piezo2 is exclusively expressed in lung microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs). Patient MVECs as well as animal models of pulmonary (arterial) hypertension showed lower expression of Piezo2 in the lung. Mechanistically, Piezo2 is required for calcium influx and NO production in response to shear stress, whereas stimuli known to induce endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) reduce Piezo2 expression in MVECs, and Piezo2 knockdown induces a gene and protein expression pattern consistent with EndMT.

Mechanosensitive cation currents through TRPC6 and Piezo1 channels in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells

Mechanosensitive cation channels and Ca2+ influx through these channels play an important role in the regulation of endothelial cell functions. Transient receptor potential canonical channel 6 (TRPC6) is a diacylglycerol-sensitive nonselective cation channel that forms receptor-operated Ca2+ channels in a variety of cell types. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive cation channel activated by membrane stretch and shear stress in lung endothelial cells. In this study, we report that TRPC6 and Piezo1 channels both contribute to membrane stretch-mediated cation currents and Ca2+ influx or increase in cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs). The membrane stretch-mediated cation currents and increase in [Ca2+]cyt in human PAECs were significantly decreased by GsMTX4, a blocker of Piezo1 channels, and by BI-749327, a selective blocker of TRPC6 channels. Extracellular application of 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG), a membrane permeable analog of diacylglycerol, rapidly induced whole cell cation currents and increased [Ca2+]cyt in human PAECs and human embryonic kidney (HEK)-cells transiently transfected with the human TRPC6 gene. Furthermore, membrane stretch with hypo-osmotic or hypotonic solution enhances the cation currents in TRPC6-transfected HEK cells. In HEK cells transfected with the Piezo1 gene, however, OAG had little effect on the cation currents, but membrane stretch significantly enhanced the cation currents. These data indicate that, while both TRPC6 and Piezo1 are involved in generating mechanosensitive cation currents and increases in [Ca2+]cyt in human PAECs undergoing mechanical stimulation, only TRPC6 (but not Piezo1) is sensitive to the second messenger diacylglycerol. Selective blockers of these channels may help develop novel therapies for mechanotransduction-associated pulmonary vascular remodeling in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Piezo1 in vascular remodeling of atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension: A potential therapeutic target

Vascular remodeling (VR) is a structural and functional change of blood vessels to adapt to the changes of internal and external environment. It is one of the common pathological features of many vascular proliferative diseases. The process of VR is mainly manifested in the changes of vascular wall structure and function, including intimal hyperplasia, thickening or thinning of media, fibrosis of adventitia, etc. These changes are also the pathological basis of aging and various cardiovascular diseases. Mechanical force is the basis of cardiovascular biomechanics, and the newly discovered mechanical sensitive ion channel Piezo1 is widely distributed in the whole cardiovascular system. Studies have confirmed that Piezo1, a mechanically sensitive ion channel, plays an important role in cardiovascular remodeling diseases. This article reviews the molecular mechanism of Piezo1 in atherosclerosis, hypertension and pulmonary hypertension, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the further study of vascular remodeling.

Piezo1 Channel Activation Reverses Pulmonary Artery Vasoconstriction in an Early Rat Model of Pulmonary Hypertension: The Role of Ca2+ Influx and Akt-eNOS Pathway

In intrapulmonary arteries (IPAs), mechanical forces due to blood flow control vessel tone, and these forces change during pulmonary hypertension (PH). Piezo1, a stretch-activated calcium channel, is a sensor of mechanical stress present in both endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The present study investigated the role of Piezo1 on IPA in the chronic hypoxia model of PH. Rats were raised in chronically hypoxic conditions for 1 (1W-CH, early stage) or 3 weeks (3W-CH, late-stage) of PH or in normoxic conditions (Nx). Immunofluorescence labeling and patch-clamping revealed the presence of Piezo1 in both ECs and SMCs. The Piezo1 agonist, Yoda1, induced an IPA contraction in Nx and 3W-CH. Conversely, Yoda1 induced an endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) dependent relaxation in 1W-CH. In ECs, the Yoda1-mediated intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]i) increase was greater in 1W-CH as compared to Nx. Yoda1 induced an EC hyperpolarization in 1W-CH. The eNOS levels were increased in 1W-CH IPA compared to Nx or 3W-CH PH and Yoda1 activated phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) and eNOS (Ser1177). Thus, we demonstrated that endothelial Piezo1 contributes to intrapulmonary vascular relaxation by controlling endothelial [Ca²⁺]i, endothelial-dependent hyperpolarization, and Akt-eNOS pathway activation in the early stage of PH.

Mechanosensitive Piezo channels mediate the physiological and pathophysiological changes in the respiratory system

Mechanosensitive Piezo ion channels were first reported in 2010 in a mouse neuroblastoma cell line, opening up a new field for studying the composition and function of eukaryotic mechanically activated channels. During the past decade, Piezo ion channels were identified in many species, such as bacteria, Drosophila, and mammals. In mammals, basic life activities, such as the sense of touch, proprioception, hearing, vascular development, and blood pressure regulation, depend on the activation of Piezo ion channels. Cumulative evidence suggests that Piezo ion channels play a major role in lung vascular development and function and diseases like pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, apnea, and other lung-related diseases. In this review, we focused on studies that reported specific functions of Piezos in tissues and emphasized the physiological and pathological effects of their absence or functional mutations on the respiratory system.

Mechanosensitive Channel PIEZO1 Senses Shear Force to Induce KLF2/4 Expression via CaMKII/MEKK3/ERK5 Axis in Endothelial Cells

Shear stress exerted by the blood stream modulates endothelial functions through altering gene expression. KLF2 and KLF4, the mechanosensitive transcription factors, are promoted by laminar flow to maintain endothelial homeostasis. However, how the expression of KLF2/4 is regulated by shear stress is poorly understood. Here, we showed that the activation of PIEZO1 upregulates the expression of KLF2/4 in endothelial cells. Mice with endothelial-specific deletion of Piezo1 exhibit reduced KLF2/4 expression in thoracic aorta and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells. Mechanistically, shear stress activates PIEZO1, which results in a calcium influx and subsequently activation of CaMKII. CaMKII interacts with and activates MEKK3 to promote MEKK3/MEK5/ERK5 signaling and ultimately induce the transcription of KLF2/4. Our data provide the molecular insight into how endothelial cells sense and convert mechanical stimuli into a biological response to promote KLF2/4 expression for the maintenance of endothelial function and homeostasis.

Ca2+ Signalling and Hypoxia/Acidic Tumour Microenvironment Interplay in Tumour Progression

Solid tumours are characterised by an altered microenvironment (TME) from the physicochemical point of view, displaying a highly hypoxic and acidic interstitial fluid. Hypoxia results from uncontrolled proliferation, aberrant vascularization and altered cancer cell metabolism. Tumour cellular apparatus adapts to hypoxia by altering its metabolism and behaviour, increasing its migratory and metastatic abilities by the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype and selection of aggressive tumour cell clones. Extracellular acidosis is considered a cancer hallmark, acting as a driver of cancer aggressiveness by promoting tumour metastasis and chemoresistance via the selection of more aggressive cell phenotypes, although the underlying mechanism is still not clear. In this context, Ca²⁺ channels represent good target candidates due to their ability to integrate signals from the TME. Ca²⁺ channels are pH and hypoxia sensors and alterations in Ca²⁺ homeostasis in cancer progression and vascularization have been extensively reported. In the present review, we present an up-to-date and critical view on Ca²⁺ permeable ion channels, with a major focus on TRPs, SOCs and PIEZO channels, which are modulated by tumour hypoxia and acidosis, as well as the consequent role of the altered Ca²⁺ signals on cancer progression hallmarks. We believe that a deeper comprehension of the Ca²⁺ signalling and acidic pH/hypoxia interplay will break new ground for the discovery of alternative and attractive therapeutic targets.

Mechanisms of pulmonary vascular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension and implications for novel therapies

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious disease characterized by various degrees of pulmonary vasoconstriction and progressive fibroproliferative remodeling and inflammation of the pulmonary arterioles that lead to increased pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular hypertrophy, and failure. Pulmonary vascular tone is regulated by a balance between vasoconstrictor and vasodilator mediators, and a shift in this balance to vasoconstriction is an important component of PH pathology, Therefore, the mainstay of current pharmacological therapies centers on pulmonary vasodilation methodologies that either enhance vasodilator mechanisms such as the NO-cGMP and prostacyclin-cAMP pathways and/or inhibit vasoconstrictor mechanisms such as the endothelin-1, cytosolic Ca2+, and Rho-kinase pathways. However, in addition to the increased vascular tone, many patients have a "fixed" component in their disease that involves altered biology of various cells in the pulmonary vascular wall, excessive pulmonary artery remodeling, and perivascular fibrosis and inflammation. Pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) phenotypic switch from a contractile to a synthetic and proliferative phenotype is an important factor in pulmonary artery remodeling. Although current vasodilator therapies also have some antiproliferative effects on PASMCs, they are not universally successful in halting PH progression and increasing survival. Mild acidification and other novel approaches that aim to reverse the resident pulmonary vascular pathology and structural remodeling and restore a contractile PASMC phenotype could ameliorate vascular remodeling and enhance the responsiveness of PH to vasodilator therapies.

Mechanically activated ion channel Piezo1 contributes to melanoma malignant progression through AKT/mTOR signaling

Melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer that can metastasize at early stage. The aim of this study is to clarify the role of Piezo1 and its potential mechanism in regulating the malignant phenotypes of melanoma. In the present study, we first showed that Piezo1 was abnormally expressed in melanoma, which accelerated the malignant progression by activating AKT/mTOR signaling. Firstly, we found that Piezo1 was upregulated in melanoma and associated with poor survival. Additionally, Piezo1 knockdown significantly weakened intracellular calcium signal and viability of melanoma cells. Furthermore, Piezo1 knockdown inhibited the transendothelial migration and invasion in vitro, as well as metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that Piezo1 activated AKT/mTOR signaling to maintain malignant phenotypes of melanoma. Therefore, Piezo1 acts as an oncogene in melanoma cells and provides a novel candidate for melanoma diagnosis and treatment.

Role of Ion Channel Remodeling in Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Endothelial dysfunction is a key player in advancing vascular pathology in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease essentially characterized by intense remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature, vasoconstriction, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and thrombosis in situ. These vascular features culminate in an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, subsequent right heart failure, and premature death. Over the past years, there has been a great development in our understanding of pulmonary endothelial biology related to the genetic and molecular mechanisms that modulate the endothelial response to direct or indirect injury and how their dysregulation can promote PAH pathogenesis. Ion channels are key regulators of vasoconstriction and proliferative/apoptotic phenotypes; however, they are poorly studied at the endothelial level. The current review will describe and categorize different expression, functions, regulation, and remodeling of endothelial ion channels (K+, Ca2+, Na+, and Cl− channels) in PAH. We will focus on the potential pathogenic role of ion channel deregulation in the onset and progression of endothelial dysfunction during the development of PAH and its potential therapeutic role.