The Role of Piezo-type Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Component 1 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1) is an evolutionarily conserved and multifunctional mechanosensitive ion channel protein that has emerged as a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Piezo1 plays a crucial role in regulating intestinal barrier integrity, immune responses, and the intestinal nervous system, thereby influencing disease progression. Its expression patterns correlate with disease severity and inflammatory markers in IBD patients, indicating its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Mechanistically, Piezo1 activation modulates key signaling pathways involved in IBD, including NF-κB, ROCK, mTOR, and 5-HT signaling pathways. Targeting Piezo1, either by modulating its expression or function, represents a promising therapeutic strategy for IBD. This review summarizes the current understanding of Piezo1's structure, biological functions, mechanisms of action, and clinical implications in the context of IBD, providing insights into its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker for this chronic gastrointestinal disorder.