Piezo1 facilitates the initiation and progression of renal fibrosis by mediating cell apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction

Renal fibrosis is the major pathological changes of Chronic kidney disease (CKD). Piezo1, a mechanical sensitive ion channel, is implicated in organ fibrosis. However, the precise role of Piezo1 in CKD fibrosis is unknown. The aims of this study were to identify that the role of Piezo1 in CKD fibrosis and its potential involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction. We performed the study with the Piezo1 agonist Yoda1, Bax inhibitor BAI1, Piezo1 inhibitor GsMTx4 and detected the injury, fibrosis, apoptosis markers and mitochondrial dysfunction. The results showed that the levels of apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, injury and fibrosis increased in TCMK-1 cells after treatment with Yoda1. However, these changes that induced by Yoda1 were relieved by BAI1. Similarly, inhibition Piezo1 with GsMTx4 also partly relieved the renal injury, renal fibrosis, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction <i>in vivo</i> and vitro. In conclusion, we found Piezo1 promoted the initiation and development of renal fibrosis and inhibiting Piezo1 improved the fibrosis.