Mechanosensitive Ion Channels and Their Role in Cancer Cells

Piezoelectric Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy: Current Research and Future Perspectives on Glioblastoma

Cancer significantly impacts human quality of life and life expectancy, with an estimated 20 million new cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths worldwide every year. Standard treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical removal, for aggressive cancers, such as glioblastoma, are often ineffective in late stages. Glioblastoma, for example, is known for its poor prognosis post-diagnosis, with a median survival time of approximately 15 months. Novel therapies using local electric fields have shown anti-tumour effects in glioblastoma by disrupting mitotic spindle assembly and inhibiting cell growth. However, constant application poses risks like patient burns. Wireless stimulation via piezoelectric nanomaterials offers a safer alternative, requiring ultrasound activation to induce therapeutic effects, such as altering voltage-gated ion channel conductance by depolarising membrane potentials. This review highlights the piezoelectric mechanism, drug delivery, ion channel activation, and current technologies in cancer therapy, emphasising the need for further research to address limitations like biocompatibility in whole systems. The goal is to underscore these areas to inspire new avenues of research and overcome barriers to developing piezoelectric nanoparticle-based cancer therapies.

The Role of Connections Between Cellular and Tissue Mechanical Elements and the Importance of Applied Energy in Mechanotransduction in Cancerous Tissue

In the presence of cellular mutations and impaired mechanisms of energy transmission to the attached cells and tissues, excess energy is available to upregulate some of the mechanotransduction pathways that maintain cell and tissue structure and function. The ability to transfer applied energy through integrin-mediated pathways, cell ion channels, cell membrane, cytoskeleton-nucleoskeleton connections, cell junctions, and cell-extracellular matrix attachments provides an equilibrium for energy storage, transmission, and dissipation in tissues. Disruption in energy storage, transmission, or dissipation via genetic mutations blocks mechanical communication between cells and tissues and impairs the mechanical energy equilibrium that exists between cells and tissues. This results in local structural changes through altered regulatory pathways, which produce cell clustering, collagen encapsulation, and an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading to increased cellular motility along newly reorganized collagen fibers (fibrosis). The goal of this review is to postulate how changes in energy transfer between cells and the extracellular matrix may alter local energy equilibrium and mechanotransduction pathways. The changes along with cellular mutations lead to cell and ECM changes reported in cancer, which is postulated to modify mechanical equilibria between cells and their ECM. This leads to uncontrolled cancer cellular proliferation and collagen remodeling.

The mechanopathology of the tumor microenvironment: detection techniques, molecular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

The mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment (TME) undergo significant changes during tumor growth, primarily driven by alterations in extracellular (ECM) stiffness and tumor viscoelasticity. These mechanical changes not only promote tumor progression but also hinder therapeutic efficacy by impairing drug delivery and activating mechanotransduction pathways that regulate crucial cellular processes such as migration, proliferation, and resistance to therapy. In this review, we examine the mechanisms through which tumor cells sense and transmit mechanical signals to maintain homeostasis in the biomechanically altered TME. We explore current computational modelling strategies for mechanotransduction pathways, highlighting the need for developing models that incorporate additional components of the mechanosignaling machinery. Furthermore, we review available methods for measuring the mechanical properties of tumors in clinical settings and strategies aiming at restoring the TME and blocking deregulated mechanotransduction pathways. Finally, we propose that proper characterization and a deeper understanding of the mechanical landscape of the TME, both at the tissue and cellular levels, are essential for developing therapeutic strategies that account for the influence of mechanical forces on treatment efficacy.

Mechanosensitive ion channel-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma: Unraveling prognostic genes and their roles in drug resistance and immune modulation

Background and aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and its etiology involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Despite advancements in our understanding of HCC biology and the development of novel therapeutic strategies, the molecular mechanisms underlying its onset, progression, and resistance to therapy remain largely vague. This study aimed to investigate the role of mechanosensitive ion channel-related genes (MICRGs) in HCC, focusing on their potential as prognostic biomarkers and their involvement in immune modulation and drug resistance.

Methods

A comprehensive analysis was conducted using The Cancer Genome Atlas database to identify MICRGs that are upregulated in HCC. Gene expression profiling, bioinformatics tools, and functional experiments were employed to elucidate the role of these channels. In addition, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses and enrichment analyses were performed to explore the biological significance of these genes. An immune cell infiltration analysis was also conducted to understand MICRG-related immune landscape. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were utilized to identify MICRGs in different cell types within the HCC tissue. Deep-learning neural network analysis across patient cohorts was conducted to identify genes associated with sorafenib resistance. Knockdown experiments, cell viability assays, and apoptosis assays on HCC cell lines were performed to examine the role of Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1) in sorafenib resistance.

Results

The analysis identified a subset of MICRGs, including PIEZO1, that were significantly upregulated in HCC and associated with poor prognosis. The PPI network analysis revealed complex interactions among these genes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses proposed the involvement of these genes in calcium signaling pathways. Immune cell infiltration analysis demonstrated distinct associations between MICRGs and various immune subpopulations, highlighting their potential roles in immune modulation. scRNA-seq data indicated the upregulation of MICRGs in various cell types in HCC tissues, particularly in endothelial cells and tumor-associated macrophages. Deep-learning neural network analysis across different patient cohorts identified PIEZO1 as a crucial regulator of sorafenib resistance in HCC, which was further validated by functional assays on HCC cell lines.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that MICRGs, particularly PIEZO1, take on crucial roles in HCC progression and drug resistance. The upregulation of PIEZO1 in HCC cells is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to sorafenib. These findings indicate that PIEZO1 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for overcoming drug resistance and a prognostic biomarker in HCC. Future studies should focus on validating these findings in larger patient cohorts and exploring the functional implications of targeting PIEZO1 in preclinical models.

Bioelectricity is a universal multifaced signaling cue in living organisms

The cellular electrical signals of living organisms were discovered more than a century ago and have been extensively investigated in the neuromuscular system. Neuronal depolarization and hyperpolarization are essential for our neuromuscular physiological and pathological functions. Bioelectricity is being recognized as an ancient, intrinsic, fundamental property of all living cells, and it is not limited to the neuromuscular system. Instead, emerging evidence supports a view of bioelectricity as an instructional signaling cue for fundamental cellular physiology, embryonic development, regeneration, and human diseases, including cancers. Here, we highlight the current understanding of bioelectricity and share our views on the challenges and perspectives.

Robotic Fast Dual-Arm Patch Clamp System for Mechanosensitive Excitability Research of Neurons

OBJECTIVE

A robotic fast dual-arm patch clamp system with controllable mechanical stimulation is proposed in this paper for mechanosensitive excitability research of neurons in brain slice.

METHODS

First, a kinematic model of a dual-arm patch clamp system combined with Monte Carlo method is developed to calculate the workspaces of recording micropipette and stimulation micropipette, and optimize the length of end effector for reducing collision incidences during operation. Then, a quantitative stimulation method to cells using one micropipette is developed based on pressing depth control. Finally, a fast robotic dual-arm patch clamp operation process is proposed based on a three-stage motion control of dual micropipettes to approach target cells and form whole-cell recording with quantitative mechanical stimulation.

RESULTS

Experimental results on 50 pyramidal neurons in the primary visual cortex of mouse brain slices demonstrate that this system achieves a threefold throughput with a 37% improvement in the success rate of the contact process and a 42% improvement in the success rate of whole-cell recording in comparison to manual operation. With these advantages, a mechanical stimulation-regulated increase in neuron excitability is observed in primary visual cortex. The experimental results also show that the sodium ion current may be more sensitive to mechanical stimulation than potassium ion current.

CONCLUSION

Our system significantly improves the efficiency of mechanical stimulation induced excitability research of neurons in brain slices.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our methods have the potential to investigate pathological and pathogenic mechanisms of mechanosensitive ion channel dysfunction-induced diseases in the future.

High-frequency MHz-order vibration enables cell membrane remodeling and lipid microdomain manipulation

We elucidate the mechanism underpinning a recently discovered phenomenon in which cells respond to MHz-order mechanostimuli. Deformations induced along the plasma membrane under these external mechanical cues are observed to decrease the membrane tension, which, in turn, drives transient and reversible remodeling of its lipid structure. In particular, the increase and consequent coalescence of ordered lipid microdomains leads to closer proximity to mechanosensitive ion channels-Piezo1, in particular-that, due to crowding, results in their activation to mobilize influx of calcium (Ca2+) ions into the cell. It is the modulation of this second messenger that is responsible for the downstream signaling and cell fates that ensue. In addition, we show that such spatiotemporal control over the membrane microdomains in cells-without necessitating biochemical factors-facilitates aggregation and association of intrinsically disordered tau proteins in neuroblastoma cells, and their transformation to pathological conditions implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, thereby paving the way for the development of therapeutic intervention strategies.

RAS signaling pathway is essential in regulating PIEZO1-mediated hepatic iron overload in dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis

PIEZO1 encodes a mechanoreceptor, a cation channel activated by mechanical stimuli. Gain-of-function (GoF) variants in PIEZO1 cause dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis (DHS), or xerocytosis, a pleiotropic syndrome characterized by anemia and iron overload. DHS patients develop hepatic iron overload independent of the degree of anemia and transfusion regimen. PIEZO1-GoF variants suppress hepcidin expression in both hepatic cellular model and constitutive/macrophage-specific Piezo1-GoF mice model. Therefore, PIEZO1-GoF variants regulate hepcidin expression by a crosstalk between hepatocytes (HCs) and macrophages with a still unknown mechanism. Transcriptomic and proteomics analysis in the human hepatic Hep3B cells engineered for the PIEZO1-R2456H variant (PIEZO1-KI) revealed alterations in the actin cytoskeleton regulation, MAPK cascade, and RAS signaling. These changes mainly occur through a novel key regulator, RRAS, whose protein and mRNA levels are regulated by PIEZO1 activation and inhibition. This regulation was further confirmed in C57BL/6 mouse primary HCs treated with Yoda-1 and/or GsMTx-4. Indeed, PIEZO1-KI cells exhibited hyper-activated RAS-GTPase activity that is rescued by PIEZO1 inhibition, restoring expression of the hepcidin gene HAMP. A negative correlation between RAS signaling and HAMP regulation was confirmed by inhibiting RAS-GTPase and MEK1-2 activity. Conversely, rescued HAMP gene expression requires downregulation of RRAS, confirming negative feedback between RAS-MAPK and BMP/SMADs pathways in HAMP regulation. We demonstrated that PIEZO1-GoF variants influence the actin cytoskeleton organization by activating the hepatic RAS signaling system. Understanding the role of RAS signaling in regulating iron metabolism could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies in DHS and other conditions characterized by iron overload.

Inflammation alters the expression and activity of the mechanosensitive ion channels in periodontal ligament cells

BACKGROUND

Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) possess mechanotransduction capability, vital in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and maintaining periodontal homeostasis. The study aims to elucidate the expression profiles of mechanosensitive ion channel (MIC) families in PDLCs and how the inflammatory mediator alters their expression and function, advancing the understanding of the biological process of OTM.

METHODS AND METHODS

Human PDLCs were cultured and exposed to TNF-α. RNA sequencing was conducted to explore the mRNA transcriptome of both normal and TNF-α-treated PDLCs. Differentially expressed MICs were identified and analyzed. The functional expressions of TRPA1 and TRPM8 were further validated by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and calcium influx assays.

RESULTS

All 10 identified MIC families or subfamilies were expressed in PDLCs, with the TRP family being the most abundant. KCNK2, PIEZO1, TMEM87A, and PKD2 were the most expressed ion channels in PDLCs. TNF-α altered the expression of the MIC families, resulting in increased expression of PIEZO, K2P, TRP, TMEM63, and TMEM87 families and decreased expression of ENaC/ASIC, TMC/TMHS/TMIE, TMEM150, TMEM120, and L/T/N-Type calcium channel families. Furthermore, 17 DEMICs were identified (false discovery rate < 0.05), with the top five (fold change ≥ 2), including upregulated TRPA1 and TRPM8. The functional expressions of TRPA1 and TRPM8 were verified, suggesting that TNF-α significantly increased their expression and sensitized their activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides comprehensive expression profiles of the MICs in PDLCs and reveals how inflammation alters the expression and activities of the MICs. Treatments targeting these MICs may offer promising strategies for improving OTM and preventing complications in inflammatory environments, ultimately leading to more effective and safer orthodontic practices.

Multiple aspects of matrix stiffness in cancer progression

The biophysical and biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are crucial in the processes of cell differentiation and proliferation. However, it is unclear to what extent tumor cells are influenced by biomechanical and biophysical changes of the surrounding microenvironment and how this response varies between different tumor forms, and over the course of tumor progression. The entire ensemble of genes encoding the ECM associated proteins is called matrisome. In cancer, the ECM evolves to become highly dysregulated, rigid, and fibrotic, serving both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic roles. Tumor desmoplasia is characterized by a dramatic increase of α-smooth muscle actin expressing fibroblast and the deposition of hard ECM containing collagen, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid and is common in many solid tumors. In this review, we described the role of inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, in desmoplastic matrix remodeling, tumor state transition driven by microenvironment forces and the signaling pathways in mechanotransduction as potential targeted therapies, focusing on the impact of qualitative and quantitative variations of the ECM on the regulation of tumor development, hypothesizing the presence of matrisome drivers, acting alongside the cell-intrinsic oncogenic drivers, in some stages of neoplastic progression and in some tumor contexts, such as pancreatic carcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Mechanical shear flow regulates the malignancy of colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is notable for its high mortality and high metastatic characteristics. The shear force generated by bloodstream provides mechanical signals regulating multiple responses of cells, including metastatic cancer cells, dispersing in blood vessels. We, therefore, studied the effect of shear flow on circulating CRC cells in the present study. The CRC cell line SW620 was subjected to shear flow of 12.5 dynes/cm2 for 1 and 2 h separately. Resulting elevated caspase-9 and -3 indicated that shear flow initiated the apoptosis of SW620. Enlarged cell size associated with a higher level of cyclin D1 was coincident with the flow cytometric results indicating that the cell cycle was arrested at the G1 phase. An elevated phosphor-eNOSS1177 increased the production of nitric oxide and led to reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidative stress. Shear flow also regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by increasing E-cadherin and ZO-1 while decreasing Snail and Twist1. The migration and invasion of sheared SW620 were also substantially decreased. Further investigations showed that mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased, whereas mitochondrial mass and ATP production were not changed. In addition to the shear flow of 12.5 dynes/cm2, the expressions of EMT were compared at lower (6.25 dynes/cm2) and at higher (25 dynes/cm2) shear flow. The results showed that lower shear flow increased mesenchymal characteristics and higher shear flow increased epithelial characteristics. Shear flow reduces the malignancy of CRC in their metastatic dispersal that opens up new ways to improve cancer therapies by applying a mechanical shear flow device.

Prognostic Evaluation of Piezo2 Channels in Mammary Gland Carcinoma

In the last decade, a group of Ca2+ channels called Piezo were discovered, demonstrating a decisive role in the cellular response to mechanical stimuli and being essential in the biological behavior of cells regarding the extracellular compartment. Several investigations have suggested a potential role in carcinogenesis, with a tumor suppressor role in some cases but increased expression in several high-grade neoplasms. Regarding Piezo2 expression in mammary gland neoplasms, a protective role for Piezo2 was initially suggested, but a subsequent study demonstrated a relationship between Piezo2 expression and the highly aggressive triple-negative phenotype of breast carcinoma. A cohort of 125 patients with clinical follow-up was chosen to study Piezo2 expression and clarify its clinical implications using the same immunohistochemical evaluation performed for other breast carcinoma parameters. Fisher's exact test was chosen to identify potential relationships between the different variables. A significant association was found with the Ki67 proliferation index, but not with mitoses. The tendency of most proliferative tumors was to have an increased score for Piezo2. A similar association was found between Piezo2 expression and perineural invasion.

Mechanosensing by Piezo1 and its implications in the kidney

Piezo1 is an essential mechanosensitive transduction ion channel in mammals. Its unique structure makes it capable of converting mechanical cues into electrical and biological signals, modulating biological and (patho)physiological processes in a wide variety of cells. There is increasing evidence demonstrating that the piezo1 channel plays a vital role in renal physiology and disease conditions. This review summarizes the current evidence on the structure and properties of Piezo1, gating modulation, and pharmacological characteristics, with special focus on the distribution and (patho)physiological significance of Piezo1 in the kidney, which may provide insights into potential treatment targets for renal diseases involving this ion channel.

Hair follicle stem cells promote epidermal regeneration under expanded condition

Skin soft tissue expansion is the process of obtaining excess skin mixed with skin development, wound healing, and mechanical stretching. Previous studies have reported that tissue expansion significantly induces epidermal proliferation throughout the skin. However, the mechanisms underlying epidermal regeneration during skin soft tissue expansion are yet to be clarified. Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) have been recognized as a promising approach for epidermal regeneration. This study examines HFSC-related epidermal regeneration mechanisms under expanded condition and proposes a potential method for its cellular and molecular regulation.

The Role of Mechanotransduction in Contact Inhibition of Locomotion and Proliferation

Contact inhibition (CI) represents a crucial tumor-suppressive mechanism responsible for controlling the unbridled growth of cells, thus preventing the formation of cancerous tissues. CI can be further categorized into two distinct yet interrelated components: CI of locomotion (CIL) and CI of proliferation (CIP). These two components of CI have historically been viewed as separate processes, but emerging research suggests that they may be regulated by both distinct and shared pathways. Specifically, recent studies have indicated that both CIP and CIL utilize mechanotransduction pathways, a process that involves cells sensing and responding to mechanical forces. This review article describes the role of mechanotransduction in CI, shedding light on how mechanical forces regulate CIL and CIP. Emphasis is placed on filamin A (FLNA)-mediated mechanotransduction, elucidating how FLNA senses mechanical forces and translates them into crucial biochemical signals that regulate cell locomotion and proliferation. In addition to FLNA, trans-acting factors (TAFs), which are proteins or regulatory RNAs capable of directly or indirectly binding to specific DNA sequences in distant genes to regulate gene expression, emerge as sensitive players in both the mechanotransduction and signaling pathways of CI. This article presents methods for identifying these TAF proteins and profiling the associated changes in chromatin structure, offering valuable insights into CI and other biological functions mediated by mechanotransduction. Finally, it addresses unanswered research questions in these fields and delineates their possible future directions.

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.

Matrix stiffness affects tumor-associated macrophage functional polarization and its potential in tumor therapy

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays critical roles in cytoskeletal support, biomechanical transduction and biochemical signal transformation. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) function is regulated by matrix stiffness in solid tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis. ECM stiffness-induced mechanical cues can activate cell membrane mechanoreceptors and corresponding mechanotransducers in the cytoplasm, modulating the phenotype of TAMs. Currently, tuning TAM polarization through matrix stiffness-induced mechanical stimulation has received increasing attention, whereas its effect on TAM fate has rarely been summarized. A better understanding of the relationship between matrix stiffness and macrophage function will contribute to the development of new strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, we first introduced the overall relationship between macrophage polarization and matrix stiffness, analyzed the changes in mechanoreceptors and mechanotransducers mediated by matrix stiffness on macrophage function and tumor progression, and finally summarized the effects of targeting ECM stiffness on tumor prognosis to provide insight into this new field.

The Role of TRPM7 in Oncogenesis

This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) channels in the pathophysiology of neoplastic diseases. The TRPM family represents the largest and most diverse group in the TRP superfamily. Its subtypes are expressed in virtually all human organs playing a central role in (patho)physiological events. The TRPM7 protein (along with TRPM2 and TRPM6) is unique in that it has kinase activity in addition to the channel function. Numerous studies demonstrate the role of TRPM7 chanzyme in tumorigenesis and in other tumor hallmarks such as proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. Here we provide an up-to-date overview about the possible role of TRMP7 in a broad range of malignancies such as tumors of the nervous system, head and neck cancers, malignant neoplasms of the upper gastrointestinal tract, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, neoplasms of the urinary system, breast cancer, malignant tumors of the female reproductive organs, prostate cancer and other neoplastic pathologies. Experimental data show that the increased expression and/or function of TRPM7 are observed in most malignant tumor types. Thus, TRPM7 chanzyme may be a promising target in tumor therapy.

The extracellular matrix as hallmark of cancer and metastasis: From biomechanics to therapeutic targets

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cell support during homeostasis and plays a critical role in cancer. Although research often concentrates on the tumor's cellular aspect, attention is growing for the importance of the cancer-associated ECM. Biochemical and physical ECM signals affect tumor formation, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Examining the tumor microenvironment uncovers intricate ECM dysregulation and interactions with cancer and stromal cells. Anticancer therapies targeting ECM sensors and remodelers, including integrins and matrix metalloproteinases, and ECM-remodeling cells, have seen limited success. This review explores the ECM's role in cancer and discusses potential therapeutic strategies for cell-ECM interactions.

TRP Channels in Cancer: Signaling Mechanisms and Translational Approaches

Ion channels play a crucial role in a wide range of biological processes, including cell cycle regulation and cancer progression. In particular, the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of channels has emerged as a promising therapeutic target due to its involvement in several stages of cancer development and dissemination. TRP channels are expressed in a large variety of cells and tissues, and by increasing cation intracellular concentration, they monitor mechanical, thermal, and chemical stimuli under physiological and pathological conditions. Some members of the TRP superfamily, namely vanilloid (TRPV), canonical (TRPC), melastatin (TRPM), and ankyrin (TRPA), have been investigated in different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. TRP channels are involved in processes such as cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and drug resistance, all related to cancer progression. Some TRP channels have been mechanistically associated with the signaling of cancer pain. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which TRP channels influence cancer provides new opportunities for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Selective inhibitors of TRP channels are under initial scrutiny in experimental animals as potential anti-cancer agents. In-depth knowledge of these channels and their regulatory mechanisms may lead to new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment, providing new perspectives for the development of effective targeted therapies.

Mechanical properties of the brain: Focus on the essential role of Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction in the CNS

BACKGROUND

The brain is a highly mechanosensitive organ, and changes in the mechanical properties of brain tissue influence many physiological and pathological processes. Piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1), a protein found in metazoans, is highly expressed in the brain and involved in sensing changes of the mechanical microenvironment. Numerous studies have shown that Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction is closely related to glial cell activation and neuronal function. However, the precise role of Piezo1 in the brain requires further elucidation.

OBJECTIVE

This review first discusses the roles of Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction in regulating the functions of a variety of brain cells, and then briefly assesses the impact of Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction on the progression of brain dysfunctional disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical signaling contributes significantly to brain function. Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction regulates processes such as neuronal differentiation, cell migration, axon guidance, neural regeneration, and oligodendrocyte axon myelination. Additionally, Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction plays significant roles in normal aging and brain injury, as well as the development of various brain diseases, including demyelinating diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and brain tumors. Investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms through which Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction affects brain function will give us a novel entry point for the diagnosis and treatment of numerous brain diseases.