Mechanical Fluids Mediate Macrophage M2 Polarization Via The Piezo1/Yap

This study explores the regulatory roles and mechanisms of human monocyte-macrophages in cell adhesion and polarization under fluid shear stress, which plays an essential role in periodontal tissue damage and regeneration. A fluid stimulation system was constructed utilizing a microfluidic pump, a parallel plate flow chamber, a liquid flow meter, tubing, a reservoir, and a computer-controlled program. After microfluidic stimulation, cell adhesion was assessed using live cell tracers. Changes in the expression of polarization markers were investigated through RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining. The expression levels of PIEZO1-YAP were also examined using RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Under fluidic stimulation, THP-1 cells demonstrated an upregulation of CD206 and a reduction in CD86 levels, along with an increase in PIEZO1/YAP expression. Knocking down PIEZO1 led to decreased expression of CD206/CD86. Fluid shear stress can activate the PIEZO1/YAP pathway, promoting calcium influx and facilitating the polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype.