Progress in Research on Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Piezo1/2 in Digestive System Diseases / 胃肠病学

Piezo proteins, including Piezo1, Piezo2, are non-selective mechanosensitive ion channels. They have similar biophysical characteristics, which can transform mechanical signals into biological electric signals. Studies have shown that Piezo proteins play important roles in mechanical-relevant physiological functions and pathophysiological changes of a variety of organs, including gastrointestinal tract. This article reviewed the relationship between Piezo1/2 proteins and digestive system diseases, and discussed the roles of Piezo1/2 under mechanical stress in the development of digestive system diseases, so as to provide a novel target in the study of pathogenesis and treatment of relevant digestive system diseases.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Arterial Baroreceptor Remodeling in Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes / 神经科学通报·英文版

Clinical trials and animal experimental studies have demonstrated an association of arterial baroreflex impairment with the prognosis and mortality of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. As a primary part of the arterial baroreflex arc, the pressure sensitivity of arterial baroreceptors is blunted and involved in arterial baroreflex dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Changes in the arterial vascular walls, mechanosensitive ion channels, and voltage-gated ion channels contribute to the attenuation of arterial baroreceptor sensitivity. Some endogenous substances (such as angiotensin II and superoxide anion) can modulate these morphological and functional alterations through intracellular signaling pathways in impaired arterial baroreceptors. Arterial baroreceptors can be considered as a potential therapeutic target to improve the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Effects of Fluid Shear Stress on Gene Expression of Piezo1 in the Cells During Osteogenic Differentiation / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the gene expression of Piezo1 in four types of bone cells at different stages of osteogenic differentiation under fluid shear stress (FSS). Methods The mouse-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), osteoblast-like cells MC3T3-E1, post-osteoblasts MLO-A5 and osteocytes MLO-Y4 were exposed to FSS at different magnitude (0.1, 1.1 Pa) with a custom-made cone-plate flow chamber for 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12 h, respectively. The expression of Piezo1 mRNA was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Both Piezo1 and Piezo2 were expressed in four types of bone cells. The expression of Piezo1 was significantly up-regulated in all cells under FSS stimulation, and the expression level under 1.1 Pa FSS was significantly higher than that under 0.1 Pa FSS. In addition, the expression of Piezo1 in MSC, MC3T3-E1 and MLO-A5 cells increased to the highest level at 1 h under FSS stimulation. The expression of Piezo1 in MC3T3-E1 cells was much higher than that in the other three types of cells. Conclusions The expression of Piezo1 was related to the process of osteogenic differentiation, FSS level and loading time, and this research finding is of great significance to reveal the mechanism of mechanotransduction in bone tissues and to establish clinical treatment for bone diseases.