Fluid shear promotes apoptosis of glomerular endothelial cells by activation of Piezo 1

Objective To investigate the effect of fluid shear(FS) on apoptosis of glomerular epithelial cells (GECs) and the role of Piezo 1 protein in it. Methods GECs (glomerular epithelial cells) of SD rat were cultured. Fluid shear stimulation was simulated by a Flexcell-T5000 tensiometer. Apoptosis level was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of Piezo 1 proteins in GECs was detected by immunofluorescence staining. The activating of Piezo 1 channels by fluid shear was observed using Ca2+ indicator (Cal-590 AM). The effect of Piezo 1 on apoptosis in GECs was analyzed after modulating the function or expression of Piezo 1 protein using the chemical activator Yoda1, the inhibitor GsMtx 4 was regulated by lentivirus Lv-shPiezo 1. Results Compared with the blank controlgroup, apoptosis increased in the fluid shear group (P＜0.05). The rate of apoptosis increased with the enhancing of fluid shear strength; Piezo 1 was commonly expressed in GECs. Fluid shear activated Piezo 1 channel and enhanced expression of Piezo 1. The agonist Yoda1 promoted the apoptosis of GECs GsMtx 4 inhibited the apoptosis induced by fluid shear. Lv-shPiezo 1 knocked down the expression of Piezo 1 in GECs and the apoptosis rate of GECs in the knockdown group was reduced as compared to that in the control group and Lv-Ctrl group(P＜0.05). Conclusions Fluid shear may promote apoptosis of GECs by activation of Piezo 1 and by enhancing expression of Piezo 1.