Stimulation of cardiac fibroblast Piezo1 channels opposes myofibroblast differentiation and induces IL-6 secretion via Ca2+-mediated p38 MAP kinase activation

Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive cation channel with widespread physiological importance; however its role in the heart is poorly understood. Cardiac fibroblasts are responsible for preserving the structural integrity of the myocardium and play a key role in regulating its repair and remodeling following stress or injury. We investigated expression and function of Piezo1 in cultured human and mouse cardiac fibroblasts. RT-PCR studies confirmed expression of Piezo1 mRNA in cardiac fibroblasts at similar levels to endothelial cells. Fura-2 intracellular Ca 2+ measurements validated Piezo1 as a functional ion channel that was activated by the Piezo1 agonist, Yoda1. Yoda1-induced Ca 2+ entry was inhibited by Piezo1 blockers (gadolinium, ruthenium red) and the Ca 2+ response was reduced proportionally by Piezo1 siRNA knockdown or in cells from Piezo1 +/- mice. Investigation of Yoda1 effects on selected remodeling genes indicated that Piezo1 activation opposed cardiac fibroblast differentiation; data confirmed by functional collagen gel contraction assays. Piezo1 activation using Yoda1 or mechanical stretch also increased the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a mechanosensitive pro-hypertrophic and pro-fibrotic cytokine, in a Piezo1-dependent manner. Multiplex kinase activity profiling combined with kinase inhibitor studies and phospho-specific western blotting, established that Piezo1 activation stimulated IL-6 secretion via a pathway involving p38 MAP kinase, downstream of Ca 2+ entry. In summary, this study reveals that cardiac fibroblasts express functional Piezo1 channels coupled to reduced myofibroblast activation and increased secretion of paracrine signaling molecules that can modulate cardiac remodeling.