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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Two-photon Imaging of Intracellular Ca2+ Handling and Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells of an Isolated Rat Aorta
Published on: June 10, 2015
Piezo1 in Smooth Muscle Cells Is Involved in Hypertension-Dependent Arterial Remodeling.
Kevin Retailleau1, Fabrice Duprat1, Malika Arhatte1
1Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, LabEx ICST, UMR 7275 CNRS, Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France.
The Piezo1 channel in arterial smooth muscle cells regulates blood vessel structure and remodeling in adults. Its absence impairs structural changes, highlighting its role in hypertension-related arterial remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Mechanobiology
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- The mechanically activated ion channel Piezo1 is crucial for vascular development.
- The function of Piezo1 in adult arterial smooth muscle cells remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Piezo1 in adult arterial smooth muscle cells.
- To determine Piezo1's contribution to arterial structure and remodeling, particularly in hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Utilized smooth muscle-specific Piezo1 deletion in adult mice.
- Assessed stretch-activated ion channel (SAC) activity in arterial myocytes.
- Analyzed arterial myogenic tone, diameter, and wall thickness.
- Investigated Piezo1-mediated calcium signaling and transglutaminase activity.
Main Results:
- Piezo1 is highly expressed in small artery myocytes and mediates SAC activity.
- Piezo1 is not essential for myogenic tone but is critical for small artery remodeling.
- Increased Piezo1 activity promotes resistance artery growth and thickening in hypertension.
- Piezo1 activation elevates cytosolic calcium and stimulates transglutaminase activity.
Conclusions:
- Piezo1 in smooth muscle cells is vital for adult arterial remodeling.
- Piezo1 links mechanosensation to clinically relevant arterial structural changes in hypertension.
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