Research status and trends of Piezo1 and brain: A bibliometric analysis.

Abstract

Aim: As a key mechanosensitive ion channel, Piezo1 plays a critical role in various brain functions, including the regulation of cerebral blood flow and neuronal excitability, by converting mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals. This study conducted a quantitative and visual analysis of the global research landscape, evolving trends, and knowledge structure of Piezo1 in brain research from 2014 to 2025.

Methods: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the Web of Science and Scopus databases for publications focusing on Piezo1 in the brain from January 1, 2014, to October 1, 2025. After rigorous screening and deduplication, 173 studies were finally included in the analysis. Scientometric indicators and visualization tools were employed to examine publication trends, core journals, productive authors and countries, and keyword co-occurrence networks.

Results: Annual publication output in this field increased rapidly, with an average growth rate of 34.48%. Research publications are concentrated in a limited number of high-impact journals, reflecting a strong academic focus. Keyword analysis identified core research hotspots, including "mechanotransduction," "ion channels," and "neuroinflammation," highlighting the pivotal role of Piezo1 in cerebral hemodynamics and neuropathology. Intellectual structure analysis revealed that foundational mechanistic studies dominate the current literature.

Discussion: Although basic research on Piezo1 in the brain has advanced significantly, studies directly targeting its clinical translation are limited. These findings highlight a clear knowledge gap between mechanistic understanding and therapeutic applications. Future research should prioritize bridging this gap by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that translate fundamental insights into clinical validation, thereby accelerating the development of Piezo1 as a novel therapeutic target for neurological disorders.