Piezol integration of vascular architecture with physiological force

The mechanisms by which physical forces regulate endothelial cells to determine the complexities of vascular structure and function are enigmatic(1-5). Studies of sensory neurons have suggested Piezo proteins as subunits of Ca2+-permeable non-selective cationic channels for detection of noxious mechanical impact(6-8). Here we show Piezol (Fam38a) channels as sensors of frictional force (shear stress) and determinants of vascular structure in both development and adult physiology. Global or endothelial-specific disruption of mouse Piezol profoundly disturbed the developing vasculature and was embryonic lethal within days of the heart beating. Haploinsufficiency was not lethal but endothelial abnormality was detected in mature vessels. The importance of Piezol channels as sensors of blood flow was shown by Piezol dependence of shear-stress-evoked ionic current and calcium influx in endothelial cells and the ability of exogenous Piezol to confer sensitivity to shear stress on otherwise resistant cells. Down-stream of this calcium influx there was protease activation and spatial reorganization of endothelial cells to the polarity of the applied force. The data suggest that Piezol channels function as pivotal integrators in vascular biology.