Mechanically activated Piezo1 channels of cardiac fibroblasts stimulate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity and interleukin-6 secretion.

ABSTRACT: Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive cation channel with widespread physiological importance; however, its role in the heart is poorly understood. Cardiac fibroblasts help preserve myocardial integrity and play a key role in regulating its repair and remodeling following stress or injury. Here we investigated Piezo1 expression and function in cultured human and mouse cardiac fibroblasts. RT-PCR experiments confirmed that Piezo1 mRNA in cardiac fibroblasts is expressed at levels similar to those in endothelial cells. The results of a Fura-2 intracellular Ca²⁺ assay validated Piezo1 as a functional ion channel that is activated by its agonist, Yoda1. Yoda1-induced Ca²⁺ entry was inhibited by Piezo1 blockers (gadolinium and ruthenium red) and was reduced proportionally by

SUBMITTER: Blythe NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6873183 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature