Piezo通道在心血管系统中的作用

机械传导在心血管系统的发育、生理功能的实现以及疾病的发展中具有重要的作用。Piezo1、Piezo2是机械敏感离子通道,在血管内皮细胞和平滑肌细胞中皆有表达,同源三聚体的结构可以使它们便利地感受局部血流增加引起的剪切力以及血压升高使细胞膜拉伸的机械刺激,进而转导为生物信号。Piezo是非选择性阳离子通道,主要可以通过Ca2+,而Ca2+作为第二信使,下游的信号通路在血压调节、血管张力变化中具有关键作用。我们系统总结了Piezo在心血管系统中的功能及其在肺动脉高压、动脉粥样硬化中的作用,以期为心血管系统疾病的治疗带来新思路。

Role of Piezo in cardiovascular system

Mechanotransduction plays an important role in the development of the cardiovascular system, the realization of physiological functions and the progress of cardiovascular diseases. Piezo1 and Piezo2 are mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels expressed in vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Their homologous trimer structure enables them to conveniently perceive mechanical stimuli (shear stress associated with increases in local blood flow, as well as cell membrane stretch upon elevation of blood pressure). Piezo is a non-selective cation channel, mainly through Ca2+, and the signaling pathway downstream of Ca2+ plays a key role in the regulation of cardiovascular system functions, such as blood pressure regulation and vasoconstriction. We summarize the functions of Piezo in cardiovascular system and its relationship with pulmonary hypertension and atherosclerosis, in order to identify novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of vascular diseases.