The role of Piezo1 in the regulation of erythrocyte morphology and function

Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel protein widely expressed in mammalian cells with the function of sensing mechanical stimuli and of mediating signaling, and is embedded in the membranes of erythrocytes, the major cellular component of blood.Piezo1 regulates the morphology and function of erythrocytes by mediating the influx of Ca2+ into the cell in crosstalk with the Gardos channel (KCa3.1), constituting the “Piezo1-Ca2+-Gardos channel axis”. However, when Piezo1 is abnormally expressed or over-activated by its specific agonist (Yoda1), it can also lead to abnormal erythrocyte morphology and dysfunction, and even cause the development of related hereditary diseases.