Piezo1, a mechanically activated ion channel, is required for vascular development in mice

TLDR

Ion channels activated by mechanical force are implicated in many physiological systems, yet their identities in mammals remain poorly understood. The study demonstrates that Piezo1 is essential for endothelial mechanotransduction and embryonic vascular development. We identified Piezo1 as an evolutionarily conserved, shear‑activated ion channel expressed in embryonic endothelial cells, whose loss disrupts endothelial alignment under shear stress and impairs embryonic vascular development, underscoring its essential role in mechanotransduction.

Abstract

Significance Ion channels that are activated by mechanical force have been implicated in numerous physiological systems. In mammals, the identity of these channels remains poorly understood. We recently described Piezos as evolutionarily conserved mechanically activated ion channels and showed that Piezo2 is required for activation of touch receptors in the skin. Here we show that Piezo1 is a critical component of endothelial cell mechanotransduction and is required for embryonic development. Piezo1 is expressed in embryonic endothelial cells and is activated by fluid shear stress. Loss of Piezo1 affects the ability of endothelial cells to alter their alignment when subjected to shear stress. These results suggest a potential role for Piezo1 in mechanotransduction in adult cardiovascular function and disease.