The Role of Piezo Ion Channels in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic and devastating disease that currently lacks effective therapies, often ultimately requiring lung transplantation. Pulmonary vascular cells are subjected to various mechanical forces, which contribute to cardiovascular remodeling in PH. In recent years, Piezo ion channels have been instrumental in shaping the field of mechanobiology. However, a growing body of evidence underscores the critical role of Piezo channels in PH. As mechanosensitive channels, Piezo1 and Piezo2 directly transduce external mechanical stimuli into vascular cells and, as such, initiate intracellular biochemical cascades. Piezo ion channels contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in Piezo channels research and focus on their role as key mechanotransducers in the progression of PH. Additionally, we explore the multifunctionality of Piezo channels in mechanobiology and propose new insights for preclinical animal studies and clinical trials. With a deeper understanding of Piezo-mediated activation and modulation mechanisms, Piezo channels are emerging as promising therapeutic targets for the future treatment of PH.