XU , Aimin

Mechanotransduction plays a key role in vascular development, physiology and disease states. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive non-selective cationic channel present in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. It is activated by shear stress associated with increases in local blood flow, as well as by cell membrane stretch upon elevation of...

Mechanoelectrical transduction is mediated by the opening of different types of force-sensitive ion channels, including Piezo1/2 and the TREK/TRAAK K2P channels. Piezo1 curves the membrane locally into an inverted dome that reversibly flattens in response to force application. Moreover, Piezo1 forms numerous preferential interactions with...