The role of Piezo1 in cardiovascular diseases: from molecular mechanisms to targeted therapeutic potential.

Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive cation channel protein that responds to mechanical stimuli such as fluid shear stress, stretch force, and extracellular matrix stiffness. It converts mechanical signals into biochemical signals, thereby regulating cellular biological behaviours including inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial homeostasis, and angiogenesis. Growing evidence indicates that multiple cellular biological behaviours modulated by Piezo1 play a critical role in the physiological and pathological processes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review focuses on the regulatory factors and mechanisms of Piezo1 in CVDs, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure. Furthermore, based on the regulatory factors of Piezo1, potential therapeutic strategies and pharmacological agents targeting Piezo1 are discussed. In conclusion, Piezo1 holds promise as a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of CVDs, providing new strategies for drug development and clinical intervention.