Piezo1-flox Mouse

Piezo1, also known as Piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1, is a mechanosensitive ion channel. It plays essential roles in cardiovascular, lung, urinary, and immune functions by transducing mechanical signals into cellular responses, and is widely distributed in different tissues [1].

In various disease models, Piezo1 shows significant impacts. In kidney fibrosis models, inhibition of Piezo1 with GsMTx4 ameliorated fibrosis induced by unilateral ureter obstruction or folic acid treatment, suggesting its involvement in the progression of kidney fibrosis likely through the calcium/calpain2/integrin β1 pathway [2]. In a mouse tail lymphedema model, Piezo1 knockdown in lymphatic endothelial cells inhibited laminar flow-induced calcium influx and lymphatic sprouting-related gene regulation, while transgenic Piezo1 expression or its pharmacological activation enhanced lymphatic sprouting, indicating its role in flow-activated lymphatic expansion [3]. In astrocytic-related studies, Piezo1 deletion in astrocytes caused a reduction in hippocampal volume, impaired adult neurogenesis, and cognitive functions, while overexpression enhanced these functions, highlighting its role in regulating adult neurogenesis and cognitive functions [4].

In conclusion, Piezo1 is crucial for multiple physiological functions. Through gene knockout and other model-based research, its roles in diseases such as kidney fibrosis, lymphedema, and those related to astrocytic functions have been revealed. Understanding Piezo1 can provide potential treatment targets for these diseases.