Identification of Key Genes and Pathways Associated with PIEZO1 in Bone-Related Disease Based on Bioinformatics

Three-dimensional matrix stiffness modulates mechanosensitive and phenotypic alterations in oral squamous cell carcinoma spheroids

Extracellular biophysical cues such as matrix stiffness are key stimuli tuning cell fate and affecting tumor progression in vivo. However, it remains unclear how cancer spheroids in a 3D microenvironment perceive matrix mechanical stiffness stimuli and translate them into intracellular signals driving progression. Mechanosensitive Piezo1 and TRPV4 ion channels, upregulated in many malignancies, are major transducers of such physical stimuli into biochemical responses. Most mechanotransduction studies probing the reception of changing stiffness cues by cells are, however, still limited to 2D culture systems or cell-extracellular matrix models, which lack the major cell-cell interactions prevalent in 3D cancer tumors. Here, we engineered a 3D spheroid culture environment with varying mechanobiological properties to study the effect of static matrix stiffness stimuli on mechanosensitive and malignant phenotypes in oral squamous cell carcinoma spheroids. We find that spheroid growth is enhanced when cultured in stiff extracellular matrix. We show that the protein expression of mechanoreceptor Piezo1 and stemness marker CD44 is upregulated in stiff matrix. We also report the upregulation of a selection of genes with associations to mechanoreception, ion channel transport, extracellular matrix organization, and tumorigenic phenotypes in stiff matrix spheroids. Together, our results indicate that cancer cells in 3D spheroids utilize mechanosensitive ion channels Piezo1 and TRPV4 as means to sense changes in static extracellular matrix stiffness, and that stiffness drives pro-tumorigenic phenotypes in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The emerging role of Piezo1 in the musculoskeletal system and disease

Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, has emerged as a key player in translating mechanical stimuli into biological signaling. Its involvement extends beyond physiological and pathological processes such as lymphatic vessel development, axon growth, vascular development, immunoregulation, and blood pressure regulation. The musculoskeletal system, responsible for structural support, movement, and homeostasis, has recently attracted attention regarding the significance of Piezo1. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current research on Piezo1 in the musculoskeletal system, highlighting its impact on bone formation, myogenesis, chondrogenesis, intervertebral disc homeostasis, tendon matrix cross-linking, and physical activity. Additionally, we explore the potential of targeting Piezo1 as a therapeutic approach for musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, intervertebral disc degeneration, and osteoarthritis.

The role of mechanically sensitive ion channel Piezo1 in bone remodeling

Piezo1 (2010) was identified as a mechanically activated cation channel capable of sensing various physical forces, such as tension, osmotic pressure, and shear force. Piezo1 mediates mechanosensory transduction in different organs and tissues, including its role in maintaining bone homeostasis. This review aimed to summarize the function and possible mechanism of Piezo1 in the mechanical receptor cells in bone tissue. We found that it is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of bone diseases.

Identification of key genes and pathways associated with sex differences in rheumatoid arthritis based on bioinformatics analysis

INTRODUCTION

Women are more likely than men to develop the chronic, progressive autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although there may be a complex interplay between sex-based differences and autoimmune dysfunction. Their function in RA is largely unknown, though. The purpose of this study was to pinpoint the crucial genes and metabolic pathways that control biological variations in RA between men and women.

METHODS

First, the Gene Expression Omnibus database's gene expression information for GSE39340 and GSE55457 was downloaded (GEO). R software was used to find each of the individually identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the sexes. DEGs that overlapped were found. The interactions between the overlapping DEGs were then further examined using a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology tools, respectively, were used to perform enrichment analyses.

RESULTS

According to our findings, there were 1169 DEGs that overlapped between RA males and females, comprising 845 up-regulated genes and 324 down-regulated genes. Ten hub genes, including PIK3R1, RAC1, HRAS, PTPN11, UQCRB, NDUFV1, EGF, UBA1, UBE2G1, and UBE2E1, were discovered in the PPI network. According to a functional enrichment analysis, these genes were primarily enriched in neurodegenerative illnesses, including various disease pathways, MAPK signaling, insulin signaling, and autophagy.

CONCLUSION

The current data point to the possibility that the MAPK pathway and autophagy may be significant contributors to sex differences in RA. PTPN11, EGF, and UBA1 may be important genes linked to the gender development of RA and are anticipated to be therapeutic targets for the disease. Key Points • Our research point to the possibility that the MAPK pathway and autophagy may be significant contributors to sex differences in RA. • PTPN11, EGF, and UBA1 may be important genes linked to the gender development of RA and are anticipated to be therapeutic targets for the disease. • These findings may aid in the development of novel diagnostic and treatment techniques for RA in men and women.