[Research progress on clinical transformation of Piezo1 in osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE

To review the role of the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis and summarize recent advances in its clinical transformation as a potential therapeutic target.

METHODS

The recent domestic and international research literature was reviewed. Recent studies on Piezo1 in chondrocyte injury, inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, and osteophyte formation were analyzed, along with Piezo1-targeted inhibitors, activators, and modulators.

RESULTS

Piezo1 senses abnormal mechanical stress and mediates Ca 2+ influx, activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, thereby promoting chondrocyte apoptosis, impaired autophagy, and matrix degradation. Preclinical studies suggest that GsMTx4, Piezo1-siRNA, Dooku1, and artemisinin may confer chondroprotective effects, but their specificity, stability, delivery efficiency, and safety require further verification.

CONCLUSION

Piezo1 is a critical link between mechanical stress and OA progression, representing a potential therapeutic target. Future research should focus on elucidating mechanisms, developing highly specific modulators and targeted delivery systems, and conducting rigorous preclinical and clinical studies to promote clinical transformation.