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Understanding COVID-19-associated endothelial dysfunction: role of PIEZO1 as a potential therapeutic target

Xiaoting Zhang1, Jinhai Liu1, Xiaoming Deng1

  • 1Faculty of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|March 15, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This review explores how PIEZO1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, may help treat COVID-19 by targeting endothelial dysfunction. Understanding PIEZO1

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a global health crisis.
  • Endothelial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key factor in COVID-19-related multiorgan damage.
  • Novel therapeutic targets for COVID-19-associated endothelial dysfunction are urgently needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential role of the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1 in COVID-19.
  • To explore PIEZO1 as a therapeutic target for mitigating endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on PIEZO1 function and COVID-19 pathophysiology.
  • Analysis of emerging evidence linking PIEZO1 to inflammation, thrombosis, and endothelial integrity.

Main Results:

  • PIEZO1 is highly expressed in blood vessels and regulates critical endothelial functions.
  • Emerging data suggest PIEZO1 involvement in processes affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • PIEZO1 modulation may offer a strategy to counteract COVID-19-induced endothelial damage.

Conclusions:

  • PIEZO1 represents a promising therapeutic target for addressing endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19.
  • Further research into PIEZO1's specific mechanisms in COVID-19 is warranted.
  • Targeting PIEZO1 could lead to novel treatments for severe COVID-19 complications.

Keywords:
COVID-19PIEZO1SARS-CoV-2endothelial dysfunctionimmunothrombosistherapeutic target.

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