Does a protein called Piezo1 hold the key to preventing stiffening of the heart valves?

Role of the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in human valve endothelial cells

Heart valves are constantly subjected to mechanical forces such as pressure, bending and friction from blood flow, which can lead to stiffening of the valve – known as calcification. Although we know that cells that line the surface of heart valves, called endothelial cells, can respond to these mechanical pressures, the mechanism through which they do this is poorly understood. Dr Latif’s team has previously identified a protein called Piezo1 that sits on the surface of blood vessel cells and can sense mechanical forces. In this project, they will study how different types of mechanical stress (such as stretch or friction) affect the activity of Piezo1. They will also study whether it influences how endothelial cells grow and move. This study will determine the role of Piezo1 in normal heart valves, and could determine its potential as a treatment target for preventing the stiffening of heart valves.