Piezo1 is an essential player in volume regulation of human glioblastoma cells

Cell volume regulation is a complex homeostatic process employed by nearly all cell types to adapt to osmotic perturbations and to support physiological processes such as proliferation and migration. This process is critically dependent on the activity of ion channels and transporters, which modulate intracellular water content through the controlled movement of osmolytes across the plasma membrane. We recently demonstrated in a human glioblastoma (GBM) cell line (U87-MG) that hypotonic-induced Ca²⁺ influx through mechanosensitive channels is crucial for activating both large- (BK) and intermediate- (IK) conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (K_Ca) channels, which in turn drive the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) response. Although growing evidence implicates Piezo1 as the principal mechanosensitive channel for this Ca²⁺ influx, definitive proof of its involvement in GBM cell volume regulation has been hindered by the lack of selective inhibitors. To address this issue, we generated a stable Piezo1 knock-out U87-MG cell line using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Our findings demonstrate that Piezo1 is essential for volume regulation during the hypotonic-induced RVD process. Specifically, Piezo1 ablation abolished the activation of the two predominant K_Ca channels, IK and BK, in response to hypotonic stress, while leaving unalterd the function of  the volume-regulated anion channel, which also contributes to RVD in these cells. Furthermore, pharmacological activation of Piezo1 with Yoda1 under isotonic conditions elicits a biphasic volume response: an initial swelling driven by Na⁺ influx, followed by shrinkage mediated by Ca²⁺-dependent activation of K_Ca channels. Given the widespread expression of Piezo1 across animal cells, its role in volume regulation may represent a generalizable mechanism that extends beyond GBM cells. KEY POINTS: Piezo1 is essential for cell volume regulation in human GBM U87-MG cells, particularly during RVD following hypotonic swelling. Piezo1 mediates RVD via Ca²⁺-dependent activation of IK and BK channels. Knock-out of Piezo1 abolishes hypotonic-induced K_Ca channel activation without altering their expression, indicating that Piezo1-driven Ca²⁺ influx is a key upstream signal. Under isotonic conditions, Piezo1 activation induces volume a biphasic volume response: initial swelling via Na⁺ influx, followed by Ca²⁺-mediated shrinkage due to K_Ca channel activation. Given Piezo1 widespread expression across animal cells, its contribution to volume regulation may represents a generalizable and conserved cell mechanism.