REVIEW article

Front. Cell Dev. Biol., 10 July 2025

Sec. Signaling

Volume 13 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2025.1607337

Mechanosensitive Piezo channels in mineralized tissues: emerging roles in osteodental adaptation and disease

  • The State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Abstract

Bone and dental tissues are highly mineralized and mechanically sensitive hard tissues. They detect and respond to mechanical forces via mechanosensitive Piezo channels, modulating physiological and pathological processes. While Piezo mechanobiology has been explored, systematic comparison of their roles across bone and dental tissues, particularly their potential crosstalk in adaptation and disease, remains underexamined in existing reviews. This review consolidates recent advances in Piezo channel biology, clarifying their structural properties, tissue-specific distribution, and functional roles in mineralized tissues. Emerging evidence highlights Piezo channels as key mechanotransducers ubiquitously expressed in skeletal and dental cellular populations. By mediating distinct mechanotransduction pathways, Piezo1 and Piezo2 modulate diverse processes, including bone remodeling, osteoblast-osteoclast communication, dental stem cell differentiation, dental hard tissue mineralization, and orthodontic tooth movement. Furthermore, their dysregulation is implicated in pathologies such as osteoporosis, pulpitis, and dentin hypersensitivity. The elucidated mechanisms establish a theoretical framework for Piezo-mediated mechanotransduction in cellular adaptation and disease progression. By integrating molecular mechanisms with regenerative applications across both osseous and dental contexts, this review advances understanding of shared mechanobiological principles in mineralized tissues and highlights translational relevance for skeletal and dental therapies. These insights align with mechanobiology and tissue engineering research, supporting future development of mechanosensitive interventions.

1 Introduction

Mammalian physiological hard tissues, comprising bone and dental tissues, are highly mineralized tissues with sophisticated structures that render them extremely sensitive to mechanical stimuli (; ). This mechanosensitivity underpins a range of clinical interventions (; )—such as distraction osteogenesis and orthodontic tooth movement—as well as pathological conditions, including osteoarthritis and traumatic periodontitis (; ). Mechanotransduction denotes the cellular mechanism transducing biomechanical stimuli into intracellular biochemical signaling events (; ), typically mediated through membrane depolarization or the influx of cations via mechanosensitive channels (; ). These channels, which are expressed in mechanosensory organs, directly mediate cellular responses to mechanical stimuli through alterations in their physical properties (). Existing defined mechanosensitive channels comprise the Piezo family, epithelial sodium channel/degenerin (ENaC/DEG)-superfamily proteins, TWIK-Related K+ Channel (TREK) subfamily proteins, transient receptor potential (TRP) polymodal receptors, transmembrane protein (TMEM) 16 superfamily, and reduced hyperosmolality-induced [Ca2+]i increase (OSCA)/TMEM63 ().

Notably, Piezo channels were initially characterized as non-selective cation mechanosensitive ion channels (), and their remarkable sensitivity is attributable to their elaborate structure. Functioning as mechanosensory receptors, Piezo channels play key roles in proprioception (), touch (; ), and mechanical pain (; ; ), as well as in a variety of pathophysiological processes, such as inflammatory response (), tumorigenesis and cancer progression (), musculoskeletal development, cardiovascular hemodynamics, renal filtration, and pulmonary homeostasis (; ; ). Piezo1 and Piezo2 are the exclusive paralogs found within the mammalian Piezo channel family (; ; ; ). They display no detectable sequence homology to other ion channel classes (). Predominantly localized in non-excitable cells, Piezo1 mediates intracellular Ca2+ signaling and activates subordinate downstream cascades to regulate diverse physiological processes (). In contrast, Piezo2 is mainly distributed in excitable cells, including Merkel cells, Schwann cells, and sensory neurons (; ; ; ), and is indispensable for itch and pain-sensing (), myelin formation (), and proprioception ().

Recent studies have established Piezo channels as bona fide mechanotransducers, with growing evidence highlighting their crucial role in the mechanosensing of hard tissues. Specifically, Piezo-mediated mechanotransduction is critical for bone development and repair, stress-induced bone remodeling, toothache occurrence, and orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) (; ; ; ). This review systematically introduces how Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels sense mechanical forces in bone and dental tissues, detailing their structure, activation mechanisms, distribution, and functions, thereby providing a reference framework for further investigation.

2 Properties of the Piezo family

2.1 Structural conformation

Piezo1 and Piezo2 exhibit a high degree of structural homology (). Both channels adopt a distinctive triskelion-like architecture consisting of a central ion-conducting pore domain, an apical extracellular dome, and tripartite curved blade subunits connected to helical beams gating three lateral portals (; ; ) (Figure 1A).

FIGURE 1

2.2 Activation and inhibition mechanisms

Mechanical stimulation triggers conformational changes in Piezo channels. Specifically, the triskelion configuration distorts the bound lipid membranes into a nanobowl-like structure complex. This nanobowl-like complex flattens upon mechanical stimulation (; ; ). The resulting flattening of the blades, coupled with the rotation of the cap and bending of the beams, facilitates cation signal transduction through the central pore and lateral portals (; ; ). This finely tuned conformation underlies the high sensitivity of Piezo channels to mechanical forces, enabling them to modulate pathophysiological processes via cation-influx-triggered molecular signaling cascades (Figure 1B).

Piezo1 channels are gated by diverse mechanical perturbations such as poking, mechanical stretch, fluid shear stress (FSS), and hydrostatic pressure (HP), whereas Piezo2 is primarily responsive to poking and exhibits insensitivity to stretching (; ). Two primary paradigms govern the mechanoactivation of ion channels: the “force-from-lipids” model and the “force-from-filaments” model (). The former hypothesis emphasizes the mechanical energy transfer through lipid bilayer deformation under membrane interfacial tension (). The latter hypothesis attributes stimulus transduction to molecular tethers coupling to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins or cytoskeletal elements (). Gating of Piezo is intimately linked to the deformations of the lipid (; ), and cytoskeletal regulation of membrane tension may further modulate channel activity (). Notably, the presence of the ECM enhances Piezo sensitivity, while its absence renders the channels less responsive to mechanical forces ().

Several synthetic agonists selective for Piezo1 have been identified, such as Yoda1 and Jedi1/2 (; ; ; ; ). Yoda1, which is hydrophobic, activates Piezo1 possibly through a “molecular wedge mechanism,” inserting between two domains of the Piezo1 blade to promote blade extension and channel opening under subthreshold stimulation (). However, mutations in the Piezo1 beam that abrogate Yoda1 activation suggest the involvement of additional, yet unidentified, mechanotransduction pathways (). Moreover, Dooku1, a derivative of Yoda1, competitively blocks Yoda1-activated Piezo1-dependent Ca2+ signaling (). In contrast, Piezo1 activation can be elicited by Jedi1/2, which are hydrophilic, through binding to the extracellular region of its blade structure and utilizing key mechanotransduction points in the beam (; ). Interestingly, Yoda1 and Jedi1/2 exert minimal effects on Piezo2. Nonspecific inhibitors, including GsMTx-4, FM1-43, polycationic ruthenium red (RR), streptomycin, and gadolinium, can block Piezo1/2-mediated ion signaling (; ; ; ). Among them, GsMTx-4 is the only known selective cation mechanical ion channel inhibitor by altering the surrounding membrane curvature (; ; ).

3 The position-specific function of the Piezo family in bone

Bone tissues are highly mechanosensitive and undergo adaptive remodeling in response to mechanical stimuli such as exercise and gravity (). Piezo1 and Piezo2 are both detected in osseous tissues, although Piezo1 exhibits a more extensive expression pattern compared to Piezo2 (). Piezo1 is required to sense the biomechanical load and modulate bone formation, thereby influencing human bone mineral density (; ). Besides, Piezo1 responds to oscillatory cortical forces by orienting and driving 3-D cell intercalations, which are important for shaping the mandibular arch in mice (). Piezo2-mediated proprioception is essential to prevent the occurrence of skeletal deformities (). Piezo channels exhibit widespread distribution across bone tissues (Figure 2).

FIGURE 2

3.1 In bone marrow, Piezo affects hematopoiesis and bone regeneration by mediating the mechanosensing of mesenchymal lineage cells, immune cells, and endothelial cells

Bone marrow serves as the primary site for lifelong hematopoiesis and bone regeneration, processes that are governed by interactions between bone marrow resident cells including mesenchymal lineage cells, immune cells, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, endothelial cells, and neuronal cells (). The Piezo family, particularly Piezo1, is widely distributed across mesenchymal lineage cells, immunocytes, and endothelial cells within bone marrow niches, mediating physiological functions including bone regeneration and hematopoiesis.

3.1.1 Piezo family in mesenchymal lineage cells affects bone regeneration

In neonatal mice, specific deletion of Piezo1 in osteoblastic mesenchymal progenitor cells causes impaired osteoblast function and increased bone resorption, resulting in multiple spontaneous fractures (). Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction is vital for the anti-aging maintenance of peri-arteriolar osteogenic progenitors and the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) upregulation-related osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) (; ) (Figure 2A). In BMSCs, Piezo1/2 mediate mechanotransduction by synergistically activating nuclear factor of activated T cells/Yes-associated protein/beta catenin (NFAT/YAP1/β-catenin) (), and the mechanosensing function of Piezo1 has even been exploited in wearable pulsed triboelectric nanogenerator designed to facilitate bone repair (). Recent evidence also implicates Piezo1 in activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling cascade within BMSCs, with Piezo1’s C-terminal R-Ras binding domain critically regulating osteoblastic differentiation ().

Piezo1 deficiency in pre-osteoblasts and osteoblasts also causes reduced bone mass and spontaneous fractures (; ). Mechanical loading parameters critically influence Piezo1-dependent responses: exposure to low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) enhances MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast proliferation via Piezo1 activation, which promotes phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and polymerization of F-actin around the nucleus—effects reversed by genetic silencing of Piezo1 () (Figure 2B). In contrast, Yoda1-induced Piezo1 activation inhibits the proliferative capability of MC3T3-E1 (), indicating that different modes of Piezo1 activation can produce divergent cellular outcomes. Besides, Piezo1 silencing independently inhibited the migratory capacity of MC3T3-E1 (). Furthermore, Piezo1 is closely linked to osteogenic differentiation and matrix protein secretion (; ; ), as is demonstrated by its role in nanotube-stimulated osteogenesis in MC3T3-E1 cells () and in upregulating osteogenic genes (e.g., runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) (), BMP2, and osteocalcin (OCN) ()) via pathways such as protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta/β-catenin (AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin) (). Besides, centrifugation force upregulates family with sequence similarity 20, member C (FAM20C) production in osteoblasts via Piezo1, leading to matrix protein secretion that modulates vascular conversion and enhances bone mineralization () (Figure 2C).

Analogous to its role in osteogenesis, Piezo1 also critically regulates bone resorption dynamics. Piezo1-deficient mice also exhibit elevated bone resorption and resistance to unloading-induced resorption, a phenomenon that may stem from Piezo1-mediated regulation of osteoclastic differentiation through YAP-driven secretion of collagen II/IX from osteoblasts (). However, selective deletion of Piezo1 in osteoclasts does not impact murine skeletal mass, implying that Piezo1-mediated regulation of bone homeostasis is likely independent of osteoclasts (). Moreover, Piezo1-mediated calcium ion/calmodulin/mammalian target of rapamycin (Ca2+/CaM/mTOR) signaling in osteoblasts and osteocytes suppresses osteoclast formation via regulation of Tnfrsf11b expression, underscoring its protective role against age-related bone loss (). Besides, the increase of Piezo1 levels in hematopoietic progenitor cells is irrelevant to the property of applied wall shear stresses (osteoprotective or osteodestructive) (). The above studies suggest that Piezo1 affects osteoclastic activity primarily by osteoblast-osteoclast crosstalk rather than direct actions on osteoclasts and hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Osteoporosis, clinically defined as reduced bone mineral density, microstructural degradation, and elevated fracture susceptibility (), is alleviated by weight-bearing exercise linked to bone mechanosensitivity (). Osteoporotic patients exhibit markedly decreased Piezo1 protein levels, which correlate positively with key osteogenic differentiation biomarkers (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), OCN, and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A)) (). Conditional knockout of Piezo1 within osteochondral lineages further demonstrates that loss of Piezo1 results in impaired skeletal microarchitecture, diminished mechanical integrity, and increased susceptibility to spontaneous fractures, highlighting its importance in trabecular bone formation (). Besides, piezoelectric micro-vibration mitigates osteoporosis induced by estrogen loss via Piezo1 promotion in osteoblasts ().

3.1.2 Piezo1 in immune cells and endothelial cells affects hematopoiesis and bone regeneration

Macrophage Piezo1-YAP signaling axis activation promotes angiogenesis and osteogenesis by inducing M2 polarization () (Figure 2D). Changes in the physical microenvironment are caused by irradiation exerting mechanical stretch stimulation on residual bone marrow macrophages (BM-Mφs), thereby upregulating Piezo1 and activating the calcineurin/NFAT/hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) pathway (). This cascade enhances the expression of Vascular growth factor A (VEGF-A), which is a key factor for hematopoiesis (). Piezo1 also influences the function and glucose metabolism of bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells under tension (). Deletion of Piezo1 in bone vasculature impairs angiogenesis and osteogenesis via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and Notch signaling pathways () (Figure 2G).

3.2 In mineralized bone matrix, Piezo1 is involved in osteocyte-mediated bone remodeling

Osteocytes encased in mineralized matrix serve as primary mechanosensory cells in bone tissues (). Piezo1 vitally functions in osteocyte sensation of FSS, supported by in vivo evidence showing that modulation of Piezo1 alters the load-dependent bone formation (; ) (Figure 2E). Under mechanical loading, osteocytes balance bone remodeling by adjusting the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio and sclerostin/dickkopf-related protein 1 (Sost/Dkk1)-mediated Wnt pathway (; ; ). In vitro, MLO-Y4 osteocytes sense FSS through Piezo1, accompanied by upregulation of the bone formation factor OPG and downregulation of the bone resorption factor RANKL (). The mechanically induced Sost expression suppression in osteocytic cell line IDG-SW3 is abrogated by Piezo1 deficiency or inhibition and AKT inhibitors, suggesting that the Piezo1/AKT pathway may mediate this regulatory process (). Collectively, Piezo1 regulates the transcription of critical osteogenic and osteoclastic markers of osteocytes and is fundamental to mechanosensitive osteocyte-mediated bone remodeling. Additionally, MLO-Y4 cells can detect stretching forces via Piezo1, which triggers calcium influx, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) nuclear translocation, and ATP production—events that amplify BMSCs’ osteogenic capacity and may offer novel intervention strategies for mechanical bone remodeling ().

3.3 In periosteum, Piezo1 coordinates bone formation through stem cell migration/differentiation and macrophage-mediated osteoprogenitor recruitment

High levels of Piezo1 expression are detected in periosteal stem cells (PSCs) as well as macrophages in the periosteum (; ) (Figure 2F). Studies have consistently demonstrated that Piezo1 is indispensable for PSC-mediated chondrogenesis, bone formation, and cartilaginous bone transformation during fracture repair (). This role may be attributed to Piezo1’s ability to enhance the migratory, osteogenic, and pro-angiogenic capacities of PSCs, primarily via the YAP/β-catenin pathway activation (). During the meniscal regeneration process, biomechanical stimulation triggers Piezo1-mediated Ca2+ influx, subsequently activating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) and nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), thus promoting the YAP/phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2/3)/SRY-related HMG-box 9 (SOX9) pathway (). However, the mechanisms by which Piezo1 modulates cell migration and pro-angiogenic secretion of VEGF-A remain to be fully elucidated.

CD68+ macrophages are the most mechanosensitive type of macrophage in the periosteum () (Figure 2D). Mechanical loading activates Piezo1 in CD68+F4/80- macrophage subsets, driving their differentiation into the CD68+F4/80+ phenotypes (). These differentiated macrophages secrete transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and thrombospondin-1 (Thbs1, a cytokine activating TGF-β1 by phosphorylating Smad2/3) to recruit osteoprogenitor cells (). Additionally, mechanical strain-induced Ca2+ influx triggers p53 post-translational modification through coordinated acetylation/deacetylation dynamics (). These epigenetic reprogrammings drive macrophage polarization toward an M2 reparative phenotype, enabling TGF-β1 secretion that stimulates BMSCs recruitment, clonal expansion, and osteogenic differentiation ().

3.4 In periosteal nerve, Piezo2 mediates proprioception to maintain the normal development of bone tissue

In mammals, Piezo2 serves as the primary mechanotransducer for proprioception (). Loss of Piezo2 function in humans leads to prenatal proprioceptive impairment, triggering abnormalities in joint positioning and ultimately leading to bone disorders like hip dysplasia, scoliosis, and distal arthrogryposis (; ; ; ; ; ; ). A study in mice further confirmed that selective Piezo2 deficiency in proprioceptive neurons—but not in chondro-osteoprogenitor lineages—resulted in skeletal malformations such as aberrant hip and spinal structure ().

4 Piezo family in tooth tissue

Similar to bone tissue, Piezo channels in dental tissue regulate cell differentiation and pathological processes by sensing mechanical forces, but their distribution and function are tissue-specific. Tooth tissues consist of the inner pulp and the outer hard tissues including dentin, enamel, and cementum. The cementum is connected to the periodontal tissues to support the tooth. While prior research has delineated Piezo channel localization within the pulp, dentin, and periodontal tissues, their distribution in other dental compartments and involvement in various dental-related pathophysiological activities remain to be further investigated. Figure 3 shows the distribution of Piezo in dental tissues and the related downstream pathways (Figure 3).

FIGURE 3

4.1 In dental pulp, Piezo affects the proliferative activity and differentiation capacity of pulp-derived stem cells and is involved in pulpal pain perception

Dental tissues harbor various stem cell populations, exemplified by dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), both demonstrating self-renewal and multipotency—attributes that make them promising for tissue engineering () (Figure 3A). DPSCs are sensitive to mechanical stimulations, which promote their proliferation while reducing the viability and adhesive properties (). Yoda1-induced activation of Piezo1 enhances migration of human DPSCs (hDPSCs) via an ATP-dependent protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/ERK signaling cascade (), while mechanical or chemical activation of Piezo1 promotes osteogenic differentiation by modulating BMP2 expression (). Static pressure can increase the expression of Piezo2 in hDPSCs as well (). In SHED, Piezo1 regulates the nuclear translocation of Runx2, which is essential for osteoblast and odontoblast differentiation (). Additionally, in dental follicle cells (DFCs), which are contributors to cementogenesis, periodontal ligament formation, and alveolar bone development (), Piezo1 activation via Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling promotes proliferation and osteoblastic lineage commitment () (Figure 3A).

Pulp pain is mediated by slow-conducted unmyelinated C-fibers and fast-conducted myelinated A-fibers (). In pulpitis, inflammatory mediators lower the nociceptor thresholds, activating pain-associated ion channels (). Piezo channels may contribute to the initial hyperemic response, potentially via Piezo2-mediated vascular mechanotransduction, given its detection in the blood vessel walls of human dental pulp ().

Piezo1 predominantly drives inflammatory progression, localizing to small myelinated Aδ fibers (60.2%), large myelinated Aβ fibers (24.3%), and unmyelinated C fibers (15.5%) (). Its expression increases progressively during irreversible pulpitis and correlates significantly with pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) ().

Piezo2 serves as the primary mechanonociception transducer, functioning as a low-threshold mechano-detector () enriched in Merkel cells and myelinated afferents (). Critically, in peripheral pulp, both channels localize to unmyelinated axons ascending toward dentin, indicating their roles in mediating acute mechanical pain (Figure 3B) (; ). Piezo2 specifically facilitates glutamate release via vesicular transporters (; ). During irreversible pulpitis, Piezo2 downregulation occurs despite its strong association with pain mediators (neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P, Tachykinin 1 (TAC1)) and overall pain intensity (). Mechanistically, the cAMP signaling pathway potentiates Piezo2 mechanosensitivity in inflammation (), consistent with its role in inflammatory mechanical hyperalgesia ().

Collectively, although both Piezo1/2 are expressed on pulp nerve fibers and function as mechanosensitive channels directly involved in mediating pulp pain, they exhibit functional divergence: Piezo1 amplifies inflammatory responses while Piezo2 directly mediates nociception and may participate in vascular hyperemic responses. Their inverse expression dynamics highlight distinct pathophysiological roles.

4.2 In dentin, Piezo mediates the perception of pain and is associated with dentin formation

In rodents, Piezo2 is predominantly expressed in mature odontoblasts (), while Piezo1 is primarily localized to the cell membrane and cytoplasm of human and murine odontoblasts (). However, proposed an alternative expression pattern in human teeth, demonstrating that Piezo1/2 are mainly present in pre-odontoblasts rather than mature odontoblasts and are absent in dentinal tubules. In contrast, murine odontoblasts exhibit widespread Piezo1/2 immunoreactivity, particularly at the basal pole (). These discrepancies are likely attributed to technical variations, highlighting the need for further investigation into Piezo channel localization in human odontoblasts.

Dentin sensitivity (DS) refers to pain arising from exposed dentin, not attributable to other dental diseases, and is best explained by hydrodynamic theory (). According to this theoretical framework, external stimuli increase dentinal tubular fluid efflux, generating hydrodynamic shear stress on mechanosensory nerves in the tubules and then activating the Aδ nerve at the pulp-dentin junction, eventually leading to pain (). Researchers demonstrate that Piezo1 and TRPV1/2/3/4 channels function as mechanosensors in this process, facilitating pannexin-1 (PANX1)-dependent ATP secretion, thereby establishing a communication pathway between odontoblasts and sensory neurons () (Figure 3C). Dental pain is triggered by P2X3 receptor activation due to extracellular ATP release (). Pharmacological blockade of the Piezo1/TRPA1-PANX1-P2X3 axis in odontoblasts significantly reduces cold-induced pain responses in exposed dentin ().

Additionally, revealed that Piezo1 promotes odontoblast mineralization in vitro via Ca2+/PI3K-AKT/semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) by way of inducing hDPSCs to differentiate into odontoblasts, and they further confirmed its involvement in reactive dentin formation in vivo. Conversely, identified that chemically activated Piezo1 inhibits the mineralization of odontoblasts, whereas knockdown of Piezo1 promotes the mineralization, and that Piezo1 is also vital for the suppression of dentinogenesis after cellular deformation within dentin tubules. These findings suggest that Piezo1 may exert context-dependent effects on odontoblast mineralization, warranting further investigation.

4.3 In cementum, Piezo1 affects the cementogenic activity of cementoblasts

The cementum, which covers the root dentin and provides the anchor for the periodontal ligament (PDL) (), is primarily composed of a mineralized matrix secreted by cementoblasts and collagen fibers derived from the PDL (). The ability of cementoblasts to secrete mineralized matrix makes them pivotal in the formation of restorative cementum and the reconstruction of periodontal function (). An in vitro study using the murine cementoblast model OCCM-30 confirmed the Piezo1 expression and found that the knockdown of Piezo1 exacerbated the decrease in the expression of cementogenic activity markers caused by static mechanical force () (Figure 3D). Additionally, micro-CT imaging of Piezo1-knockout mice revealed marked reductions in cellular cementum, alveolar bone volume, and cementum ECM mass (), but this may result from diminished periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) differentiation into cementoblasts. In contrast, HP has been shown to increase Piezo1 expression in cementoblasts while suppressing cell migration and OPG expression, indicating that compressive forces impair cementoblast function by enhancing Piezo1 activity (). Therefore, the precise role of Piezo1 in human cementogenesis and the underlying mechanisms involved remain to be further investigated.

4.4 In periodontal tissues, Piezo mediates periodontal tissue remodeling due to orthodontic tooth movement

OTM denotes the therapeutic application of controlled biomechanical forces to reposition misaligned dental units through coordinated periodontal remodeling (). This biological process specifically involves structural adaptation of the periodontium components: alveolar bone, periodontal ligament (PDL), and gingiva (). During OTM, the remodeling of tissues is triggered by the mechanical signal transduction of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and osteocytes (). PDLCs exhibit dual expression of Piezo1 and Piezo2, with Piezo1 being more abundant (). However, RR-mediated Piezo suppression has no effect on the proliferation of PDLCs (). Activation of Piezo1 by Yoda1 promotes periodontal tissue regeneration through the stimulation of Lepr+ periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) () and converts mechanical stimuli into intracellular calcium influx that modulates downstream signaling cascades such as Notch, ERK, nuclear factor kappa-Β (NF-κB), and so on ().

In a rat OTM model, Piezo1 activation on the tension side boosts osteogenic markers (Runx2, osterix (OSX), ALP, and collagen type I (COL1)) and elevates osteoclastic activity, both fundamental for alveolar bone remodeling () (Figure 3E). The non-canonical Wnt/Ca2+ pathway could be associated with this process, as indicated by correlations between Wnt5a/CAMKII expression and bone-related molecules on the tension side (). An in vitro study also showed that Piezo1 expression was upregulated in PDLCs after stretch loading, and this upregulation was closely related to stress-stimulated transcriptional activation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) coupled with modulation of RANKL/OPG signaling axis in PDLCs (). Furthermore, Piezo1 expression can be enhanced by mechanical tensile force in human PDLSCs (hPDLSCs), thus activating the Notch1 pathway and facilitating their osteogenic differentiation capacity ().

Recent studies manifest that Piezo1 has an impact on pressure-triggered PDLC apoptosis () and inflammatory gene expression (), while also promoting osteoclast differentiation (). Under mechanical pressure, Piezo1 activation in PDLCs elevates the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF, IL-6, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2)) (), upregulates pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and caspase-3), and inhibits anti-apoptotic proteins, thereby promoting apoptosis via the p38/ERK1/2 pathway (). Importantly, in the compression areas of OTM models, upregulated Piezo1 and β-catenin can be detected (), accompanied by increased RANKL/OPG ratios (). Inhibition of Piezo1 reduces the distance of tooth movement (; ). Interestingly, Piezo1 appears to mediate osteoclastogenesis in a context-dependent manner—upregulating RANKL under pressure while downregulating OPG in the absence of mechanical strain (). This may involve distinct intracellular signaling pathways, calling for further exploration. Additionally, Piezo1 on the PDLC membrane facilitates extracellular ATP release under compressive force, a mechanism that is critical for both bone remodeling and pain perception during orthodontic treatment ().

Furthermore, immune cells including macrophages are recruited and play an integral regulatory role during OTM (). Early recruitment of M1 macrophages initiates osteoclastogenesis, whereas later recruitment of M2 macrophages suppresses osteoclastic activity and promotes bone deposition (). The Piezo1/AKT/cyclin D (Ccnd1) axis is essential for the proliferation and infiltration of macrophages in periodontal tissues during OTM () (Figure 3E). GsMTx4 also indirectly encourages the osteolytic differentiation of RAW264.7 by affecting the NF-κB pathway in periodontal ligament cells (). Nevertheless, it remains enigmatic whether Piezo1 mediates macrophage polarization during OTM.

5 Discussion

As mechanotransducers, Piezo1/2 channels convert mechanical stress into cation influx, activating downstream signaling pathways that regulate diverse pathophysiological processes. Piezo1 and Piezo2, activated by different mechanical and chemical stimuli, are widely distributed in bone and teeth tissues. The cell-type-specific expression patterns and functional roles of Piezo channels across these mineralized tissues are systematically summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1

TissueCell typePiezo1Piezo2References
Bone marrowBMSC• Bone formation ↑ (essential role)• Bone formation ↑ (redundant with Piezo1)
Pre-osteoblast• Proliferation (↑ by LIPUS, ↓ by Yoda1)
• Migration ↑
• Bone formation ↑
-
Osteoblast• Bone formation ↑
• Bone resorption ↓
• Osteoblast differentiation ↑
Macrophage• Angiogenesis ↑
• Osteogenesis ↑
• Hematopoiesis ↑
-
Vascular endothelial cell• Angiogenesis ↑
• Osteogenesis ↑
-
Bone matrixOsteocyte• Bone remodeling ↑• Bone formation ↑ (redundant with Piezo1)
PeriosteumPSC• Chondrogenesis ↑
• Bone formation ↑
-
Macrophage• Bone remodeling ↑-
Proprioceptive neuron-• Proprioception
Dental pulpDPSC/SHED• Migration ↑
• Osteogenic differentiation ↑
• Odontoblast differentiation ↑
• Proliferation ↑
DFC• Proliferation ↑
• Osteogenic differentiation ↑
-
Sensory neuron• Inflammation ↑• Pain transduction
DentinOdontoblast• Mineralization (conflicting reports: ↑/↓)• Pain transduction
CementumCementoblast• Cementogenesis (conflicting reports: ↑/↓)• Expressed (role unclear)
Periodontal tissuePDLC• Orthodontic remodeling ↑
• Inflammation ↑
• Apoptosis ↑
• Minor contribution
Macrophage• Proliferation ↑-

Essential functions of Piezo channels in mineralized tissues.

“↑” indicates promotion, “↓” indicates inhibition, and “-” indicates no report.

*BMSC, Bone Marrow Stem Cell; LIPUS, Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound, PSC, Periosteal Stem Cell; DPSC, Dental Pulp Stem Cell; SHED, Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth; DFC, Dental Follicle Cell; PDLC, Periodontal Ligament Cell.

Building upon this comprehensive synthesis, in bone, Piezo channels are localized to mesenchymal cells, immune cells, and osteocytes within osteo-microenvironments, mediating hematopoiesis and skeletal regeneration/remodeling. In dental tissues, Piezo channels in the pulp, dentin, cementum, and periodontal tissues influence cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration and are closely associated with pulpitis and DS-induced pain, dentin/cementum mineralization, and periodontal adaptation during OTM.

Despite the progress, several unresolved questions still persist. For example, most current studies are largely confined to cellular or animal models, leaving the precise localization of Piezo channels in human hard tissues contentious. Beyond that, conflicting conclusions exist regarding Piezo-regulated dentin/cementum formation under identical mechanical force, potentially due to experimental techniques and conditions limitations, calling for the necessity for advanced techniques and standardized experimental models to reconcile context-dependent outcomes. Also, variations in force magnitude, duration, or other subtle factors may lead to the completely opposite effect that Piezo channels have on the same objects, which needs deeper investigations.

Mechanobiological understanding of Piezo channels in osseous and dental tissues could pave the way for innovative approaches in tissue engineering and disease treatment. Future studies should be based on the existing studies to clarify Piezo channels’ precise functional roles and relative mechanisms in the physiopathological processes of bone and teeth.

Statements

Author contributions

JD: Writing – original draft, Data curation. RL: Writing – original draft, Data curation. YC: Writing – original draft. GZ: Writing – review and editing, Project administration, Conceptualization, Supervision. XL: Writing – review and editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

The author(s) declare that no Generative AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

References

  • 1

    AchetaJ.BhatiaU.HaleyJ.HongJ.RichK.CloseR.et al (2022). Piezo channels contribute to the regulation of myelination in schwann cells. Glia70 (12), 22762289. 10.1002/glia.24251

  • 2

    AlcainoC.KnutsonK.GottliebP. A.FarrugiaG.BeyderA. (2017). Mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo2 is inhibited by D-GsMTx4. Channels11 (3), 245253. 10.1080/19336950.2017.1279370

  • 3

    ArnadóttirJ.ChalfieM. (2010). Eukaryotic mechanosensitive channels. Annu. Rev. Biophys.39, 111137. 10.1146/annurev.biophys.37.032807.125836

  • 4

    AssarafE.BlecherR.Heinemann-YerushalmiL.KriefS.Carmel VinestockR.BitonI. E.et al (2020). Piezo2 expressed in proprioceptive neurons is essential for skeletal integrity. Nat. Commun.11 (1), 3168. 10.1038/s41467-020-16971-6

  • 5

    BaccinC.Al-SabahJ.VeltenL.HelblingP. M.GrünschlägerF.Hernández-MalmiercaP.et al (2020). Combined single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal the molecular, cellular and spatial bone marrow niche organization. Nat. Cell Biol.22 (1), 3848. 10.1038/s41556-019-0439-6

  • 6

    BaeC.SachsF.GottliebP. A. (2011). The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 is inhibited by the peptide GsMTx4. Biochemistry50 (29), 62956300. 10.1021/bi200770q

  • 7

    BaiW.-Y.WangL.YingZ.-M.HuB.XuL.ZhangG.-Q.et al (2020). Identification of PIEZO1 polymorphisms for human bone mineral density. Bone133, 115247. 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115247

  • 8

    BenderI. B. (2000). Pulpal pain diagnosis--a review. J. Endod.26 (3), 175179. 10.1097/00004770-200003000-00012

  • 9

    Botello-SmithW. M.JiangW.ZhangH.OzkanA. D.LinY. C.PhamC. N.et al (2019). A mechanism for the activation of the mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel by the small molecule Yoda1. Nat. Commun.10 (1), 4503. 10.1038/s41467-019-12501-1

  • 10

    BowmanC. L.GottliebP. A.SuchynaT. M.MurphyY. K.SachsF. (2007). Mechanosensitive ion channels and the peptide inhibitor GsMTx-4: history, properties, mechanisms and pharmacology. Toxicon49 (2), 249270. 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.09.030

  • 11

    BratengeierC.LiszkaA.HoffmanJ.BakkerA. D.FahlgrenA. (2020). High shear stress amplitude in combination with prolonged stimulus duration determine induction of osteoclast formation by hematopoietic progenitor cells. FASEB J.34 (3), 37553772. 10.1096/fj.201901458R

  • 12

    Bryniarska-KubiakN.Basta-KaimA.KubiakA. (2024). Mechanobiology of dental pulp cells. Cells13 (5), 375. 10.3390/cells13050375

  • 13

    CaiG.LuY.ZhongW.WangT.LiY.RuanX.et al (2023). Piezo1-mediated M2 macrophage mechanotransduction enhances bone formation through secretion and activation of transforming growth factor-β1. Cell Prolif.56 (9), e13440. 10.1111/cpr.13440

  • 14

    ChakrabortyM.ChuK.ShresthaA.ReveloX. S.ZhangX.GoldM. J.et al (2021). Mechanical stiffness controls dendritic cell metabolism and function. Cell Rep.34 (2), 108609. 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108609

  • 15

    ChenP.ZhangG.JiangS.NingY.DengB.PanX.et al (2021). Mechanosensitive Piezo1 in endothelial cells promotes angiogenesis to support bone fracture repair. Cell Calcium97, 102431. 10.1016/j.ceca.2021.102431

  • 16

    CheslerA. T.SzczotM.Bharucha-GoebelD.ČekoM.DonkervoortS.LaubacherC.et al (2016). The role of PIEZO2 in human mechanosensation. N. Engl. J. Med.375 (14), 13551364. 10.1056/NEJMoa1602812

  • 17

    ChoY. S.HanH. M.JeongS. Y.KimT. H.ChoiS. Y.KimY. S.et al (2022). Expression of Piezo1 in the trigeminal neurons and in the axons that innervate the dental pulp. Front. Cell Neurosci.16, 945948. 10.3389/fncel.2022.945948

  • 18

    CosteB.HougeG.MurrayM. F.StitzielN.BandellM.GiovanniM. A.et al (2013). Gain-of-function mutations in the mechanically activated ion channel PIEZO2 cause a subtype of distal arthrogryposis. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.110 (12), 46674672. 10.1073/pnas.1221400110

  • 19

    CosteB.MathurJ.SchmidtM.EarleyT. J.RanadeS.PetrusM. J.et al (2010). Piezo1 and Piezo2 are essential components of distinct mechanically activated cation channels. Science330(6000),5560. 10.1126/science.1193270

  • 20

    CosteB.XiaoB.SantosJ. S.SyedaR.GrandlJ.SpencerK. S.et al (2012). Piezo proteins are pore-forming subunits of mechanically activated channels. Nat483 (7388), 176181. 10.1038/nature10812

  • 21

    CoxC. D.BaeC.ZieglerL.HartleyS.Nikolova-KrstevskiV.RohdeP. R.et al (2016). Removal of the mechanoprotective influence of the cytoskeleton reveals PIEZO1 is gated by bilayer tension. Nat. Commun.7, 10366. 10.1038/ncomms10366

  • 22

    CoxC. D.BaviN.MartinacB. (2017). Origin of the force: the force-from-lipids principle applied to piezo channels. Curr. Top. Membr.79, 5996. 10.1016/bs.ctm.2016.09.001

  • 23

    Della PietraA.MikhailovN.GiniatullinR. (2020). The emerging role of mechanosensitive piezo channels in migraine pain. Int. J. Mol. Sci.21 (3), 696. 10.3390/ijms21030696

  • 24

    Delle VedoveA.StorbeckM.HellerR.HölkerI.HebbarM.ShuklaA.et al (2016). Biallelic loss of proprioception-related PIEZO2 causes muscular atrophy with perinatal respiratory distress, arthrogryposis, and scoliosis. Am. J. Hum. Genet.99 (5), 14061408. 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.11.009

  • 25

    DengR.LiC.WangX.ChangL.NiS.ZhangW.et al (2022). Periosteal CD68(+) F4/80(+) macrophages are mechanosensitive for cortical bone formation by secretion and activation of TGF-β1. Adv. Sci. (Weinh)9 (3), e2103343. 10.1002/advs.202103343

  • 26

    DouguetD.HonoréE. (2019). Mammalian mechanoelectrical transduction: structure and function of force-gated ion channels. Cell179 (2), 340354. 10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.049

  • 27

    DouguetD.PatelA.XuA.VanhoutteP. M.HonoréE. (2019). Piezo ion channels in cardiovascular mechanobiology. Trends Pharmacol. Sci.40 (12), 956970. 10.1016/j.tips.2019.10.002

  • 28

    DuY.YangK. (2023). Role of mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in tension-side orthodontic alveolar bone remodeling in rats. Arch. Oral Biol.155, 105798. 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105798

  • 29

    DzamukovaM.BrunnerT. M.Miotla-ZarebskaJ.HeinrichF.BrylkaL.MashreghiM. F.et al (2022). Mechanical forces couple bone matrix mineralization with inhibition of angiogenesis to limit adolescent bone growth. Nat. Commun.13 (1), 3059. 10.1038/s41467-022-30618-8

  • 30

    EarleyS.SantanaL. F.LedererW. J. (2022). The physiological sensor channels TRP and piezo: nobel prize in physiology or medicine 2021. Physiol. Rev.102 (2), 11531158. 10.1152/physrev.00057.2021

  • 31

    EijkelkampN.LinleyJ. E.TorresJ. M.BeeL.DickensonA. H.GringhuisM.et al (2013). A role for Piezo2 in EPAC1-dependent mechanical allodynia. Nat. Commun.4, 1682. 10.1038/ncomms2673

  • 32

    EvansE. L.CuthbertsonK.EndeshN.RodeB.BlytheN. M.HymanA. J.et al (2018). Yoda1 analogue (Dooku1) which antagonizes Yoda1-evoked activation of Piezo1 and aortic relaxation. Br. J. Pharmacol.175 (10), 17441759. 10.1111/bph.14188

  • 33

    FengJ.ZhaoY.XieZ.ZangK.SvibenS.HuX.et al (2022). Miswiring of merkel cell and pruriceptive C fiber drives the itch-scratch cycle. Sci. Transl. Med.14 (653), eabn4819. 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn4819

  • 34

    FosterB. L. (2017). On the discovery of cementum. J. Periodontal Res.52 (4), 666685. 10.1111/jre.12444

  • 35

    GaiteJ. J.Solé‐MagdalenaA.García‐MesaY.CuendiasP.Martin‐CrucesJ.García‐SuárezO.et al (2024). Immunolocalization of the mechanogated ion channels PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in human and mouse dental pulp and periodontal ligament. Anat. Rec. Hob.307 (5), 19601968. 10.1002/ar.25351

  • 36

    GaoQ.CooperP. R.WalmsleyA. D.SchevenB. A. (2017). Role of piezo channels in ultrasound-stimulated dental stem cells. J. Endod.43 (7), 11301136. 10.1016/j.joen.2017.02.022

  • 37

    GaubB. M.MüllerD. J. (2017). Mechanical stimulation of Piezo1 receptors depends on extracellular matrix proteins and directionality of force. Nano Lett.17 (3), 20642072. 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b00177

  • 38

    GeJ.LiW.ZhaoQ.LiN.ChenM.ZhiP.et al (2015). Architecture of the Mammalian mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel. Nat527 (7576), 6469. 10.1038/nature15247

  • 39

    Glyn-JonesS.PalmerA. J.AgricolaR.PriceA. J.VincentT. L.WeinansH.et al (2015). Osteoarthr. Lancet386 (9991), 376387. 10.1016/s0140-6736(14)60802-3

  • 40

    HaeltermanN.LimJ. (2019). Sensing the load. Elife8, e50210. 10.7554/eLife.50210

  • 41

    HalilogluG.BeckerK.TemucinC.TalimB.KüçükşahinN.PergandeM.et al (2017). Recessive PIEZO2 stop mutation causes distal arthrogryposis with distal muscle weakness, scoliosis and proprioception defects. J. Hum. Genet.62 (4), 497501. 10.1038/jhg.2016.153

  • 42

    HanH. M.JeongS. Y.ChoY. S.ChoiS. Y.BaeY. C. (2022). Expression of Piezo2 in the dental pulp, sensory root, and trigeminal ganglion and its coexpression with vesicular glutamate transporters. J. Endod.48 (11), 14071413. 10.1016/j.joen.2022.07.012

  • 43

    HendrickxG.FischerV.LiedertA.von KrogeS.Haffner-LuntzerM.BrylkaL.et al (2021). Piezo1 inactivation in chondrocytes impairs trabecular bone formation. J. Bone Min. Res.36 (2), 369384. 10.1002/jbmr.4198

  • 44

    HerreraD.AlonsoB.de ArribaL.Santa CruzI.SerranoC.SanzM. (2014). Acute periodontal lesions. Periodontol65 (1), 149177. 10.1111/prd.12022

  • 45

    HorieS.NakatomiC.Ito-SagoM.MoriiA.OrimotoA.IkedaH.et al (2023). PIEZO1 promotes ATP release from periodontal ligament cells following compression force. Eur. J. Orthod.45 (5), 565574. 10.1093/ejo/cjad052

  • 46

    HuangP.JiangR. X.WangF.QiaoW. W.JiY. T.MengL. Y.et al (2024). PIEZO1 promotes odontoblast-mediated reactionary dentinogenesis via SEMA3A. J. Dent. Res.103 (9), 889898. 10.1177/00220345241257866

  • 47

    JiangY.GuanY.LanY.ChenS.LiT.ZouS.et al (2021a). Mechanosensitive Piezo1 in periodontal ligament cells promotes alveolar bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement. Front. Physiol.12, 767136. 10.3389/fphys.2021.767136

  • 48

    JiangY.LinH.ChenY.LanY.WangH.LiT.et al (2024). Piezo1 contributes to alveolar bone remodeling by activating β-catenin under compressive stress. Am. J. Orthod. Dentofac. Orthop.165 (4), 458470. 10.1016/j.ajodo.2023.10.020

  • 49

    JiangY.YangX.JiangJ.XiaoB. (2021b). Structural designs and mechanogating mechanisms of the mechanosensitive piezo channels. Trends Biochem. Sci.46 (6), 472488. 10.1016/j.tibs.2021.01.008

  • 50

    JiangY.ZhangH.WangJ.LiuY.LuoT.HuaH. (2022). Targeting extracellular matrix stiffness and mechanotransducers to improve cancer therapy. J. Hematol. Oncol.15 (1), 34. 10.1186/s13045-022-01252-0

  • 51

    JinP.JanL. Y.JanY.-N. (2020). Mechanosensitive ion channels: structural features relevant to mechanotransduction mechanisms. Annu. Rev. Neurosci.43 (1), 207229. 10.1146/annurev-neuro-070918-050509

  • 52

    JinY.LiJ.WangY.YeR.FengX.JingZ.et al (2015). Functional role of mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in human periodontal ligament cells. Angle Orthod.85 (1), 8794. 10.2319/123113-955.1

  • 53

    KangT.YangZ.ZhouM.LanY.HongY.GongX.et al (2024). The role of the Piezo1 channel in osteoblasts under cyclic stretching: a study on osteogenic and osteoclast factors. Arch. Oral Biol.163, 105963. 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.105963

  • 54

    KarthikV.GunturA. R. (2021). Energy metabolism of osteocytes. Curr. Osteoporos. Rep.19 (4), 444451. 10.1007/s11914-021-00688-6

  • 55

    Khatibi ShahidiM.KrivanekJ.KaukuaN.ErnforsP.HladikL.KostalV.et al (2015). Three-dimensional imaging reveals new compartments and structural adaptations in odontoblasts. J. Dent. Res.94 (7), 945954. 10.1177/0022034515580796

  • 56

    KongK.ChangY.HuY.QiaoH.ZhaoC.RongK.et al (2022). TiO(2) nanotubes promote osteogenic differentiation through regulation of Yap and Piezo1. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.10, 872088. 10.3389/fbioe.2022.872088

  • 57

    LacroixJ. J.Botello-SmithW. M.LuoY. (2018). Probing the gating mechanism of the mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 with the small molecule Yoda1. Nat. Commun.9 (1), 2029. 10.1038/s41467-018-04405-3

  • 58

    LeeK.LeeB. M.ParkC. K.KimY. H.ChungG. (2019). Ion channels involved in tooth pain. Int. J. Mol. Sci.20 (9), 2266. 10.3390/ijms20092266

  • 59

    LiX.HanL.NookaewI.MannenE.SilvaM. J.AlmeidaM.et al (2019). Stimulation of Piezo1 by mechanical signals promotes bone anabolism. Elife8, e49631. 10.7554/eLife.49631

  • 60

    LiX.ZhangC.BowmanH. H.StamboughJ. B.StronachB. M.MearsS. C.et al (2023). Piezo1 opposes age-associated cortical bone loss. Aging Cell22 (6), e13846. 10.1111/acel.13846

  • 61

    LiY.ZhanQ.BaoM.YiJ.LiY. (2021). Biomechanical and biological responses of periodontium in orthodontic tooth movement: up-date in a new decade. Int. J. Oral Sci.13 (1), 20. 10.1038/s41368-021-00125-5

  • 62

    LinW.XiW.NanJ.HaimeiL.ShixinC. (2020). Mechanisms of the mechanically activated ion channel Piezo1 protein in mediating osteogenic differentiation of perio-dontal ligament stem cells via the notch signaling pathway. West China J. Stomatol.38 (6), 628636. 10.7518/hxkq.2020.06.004

  • 63

    LiuY.TianH.HuY.CaoY.SongH.LanS.et al (2022a). Mechanosensitive Piezo1 is crucial for periosteal stem cell-mediated fracture healing. Int. J. Biol. Sci.18 (10), 39613980. 10.7150/ijbs.71390

  • 64

    LiuZ.TangY.HeL.GengB.LuF.HeJ.et al (2022b). Piezo1-mediated fluid shear stress promotes OPG and inhibits RANKL via NOTCH3 in MLO-Y4 osteocytes. Channels (Austin)16 (1), 127136. 10.1080/19336950.2022.2085379

  • 65

    MahmudA. A.NahidN. A.NassifC.SayeedM. S. B.AhmedM. U.ParveenM.et al (2017). Loss of the proprioception and touch sensation channel PIEZO2 in siblings with a progressive form of contractures. Clin. Genet.91 (3), 470475. 10.1111/cge.12850

  • 66

    MantzouraniM.SharmaD. (2013). Dentine sensitivity: past, present and future. J. Dent.41, S3S17. 10.1016/S0300-5712(13)70002-2

  • 67

    MatsunagaM.KimuraM.OuchiT.NakamuraT.OhyamaS.AndoM.et al (2021). Mechanical stimulation-induced calcium signaling by Piezo1 channel activation in human odontoblast reduces dentin mineralization. Front. Physiol.12, 704518. 10.3389/fphys.2021.704518

  • 68

    McMillinM. J.BeckA. E.ChongJ. X.ShivelyK. M.BuckinghamK. J.GildersleeveH. I.et al (2014). Mutations in PIEZO2 cause gordon syndrome, marden-walker syndrome, and distal arthrogryposis type 5. Am. J. Hum. Genet.94 (5), 734744. 10.1016/j.ajhg.2014.03.015

  • 69

    MiyazakiA.SugimotoA.YoshizakiK.KawarabayashiK.IwataK.KurogoushiR.et al (2019). Coordination of WNT signaling and ciliogenesis during odontogenesis by piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1. Sci. Rep.9 (1), 14762. 10.1038/s41598-019-51381-9

  • 70

    MorganE. F.UnnikrisnanG. U.HusseinA. I. (2018). Bone mechanical properties in healthy and diseased states. Annu. Rev. Biomed. Eng.20, 119143. 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-062117-121139

  • 71

    MousawiF.PengH.LiJ.PonnambalamS.RogerS.ZhaoH.et al (2020). Chemical activation of the Piezo1 channel drives mesenchymal stem cell migration via inducing ATP release and activation of P2 receptor purinergic signaling. Stem Cells38 (3), 410421. 10.1002/stem.3114

  • 72

    MurthyS. E.DubinA. E.PatapoutianA. (2017). Piezos thrive under pressure: mechanically activated ion channels in health and disease. Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol.18 (12), 771783. 10.1038/nrm.2017.92

  • 73

    NakashimaT.HayashiM.FukunagaT.KurataK.Oh-HoraM.FengJ. Q.et al (2011). Evidence for osteocyte regulation of bone homeostasis through RANKL expression. Nat. Med.17 (10), 12311234. 10.1038/nm.2452

  • 74

    NieX.ChungM.-K. (2022). Piezo channels for skeletal development and homeostasis: insights from mouse genetic models. Differentiation126, 1015. 10.1016/j.diff.2022.06.001

  • 75

    NottmeierC.LavickyJ.Gonzalez LopezM.KnauthS.Kahl-NiekeB.AmlingM.et al (2023). Mechanical-induced bone remodeling does not depend on Piezo1 in dentoalveolar hard tissue. Sci. Rep.13 (1), 9563. 10.1038/s41598-023-36699-9

  • 76

    NuñezJ.VignolettiF.CaffesseR. G.SanzM. (2019). Cellular therapy in periodontal regeneration. Periodontol79 (1), 107116. 10.1111/prd.12250

  • 77

    OhyamaS.OuchiT.KimuraM.KurashimaR.YasumatsuK.NishidaD.et al (2022). Piezo1-pannexin-1-P2X3 axis in odontoblasts and neurons mediates sensory transduction in dentinal sensitivity. Front. Physiol.13, 891759. 10.3389/fphys.2022.891759

  • 78

    PagnottiG. M.StynerM.UzerG.PatelV. S.WrightL. E.NessK. K.et al (2019). Combating osteoporosis and obesity with exercise: leveraging cell mechanosensitivity. Nat. Rev. Endocrinol.15 (6), 339355. 10.1038/s41574-019-0170-1

  • 79

    PeiF.LiuJ.ZhangL.PanX.HuangW.CenX.et al (2021). The functions of mechanosensitive ion channels in tooth and bone tissues. Cell Signal78, 109877. 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109877

  • 80

    QinL.HeT.ChenS.YangD.YiW.CaoH.et al (2021). Roles of mechanosensitive channel Piezo1/2 proteins in skeleton and other tissues. Bone Res.9 (1), 44. 10.1038/s41413-021-00168-8

  • 81

    RachnerT. D.KhoslaS.HofbauerL. C. (2011). Osteoporosis: now and the future. Lancet377 (9773), 12761287. 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)62349-5

  • 82

    RanadeS. S.WooS. H.DubinA. E.MoshourabR. A.WetzelC.PetrusM.et al (2014). Piezo2 is the major transducer of mechanical forces for touch sensation in mice. Nat516 (7529), 121125. 10.1038/nature13980

  • 83

    RoblingA. G.BonewaldL. F. (2020). The osteocyte: new insights. Annu. Rev. Physiol.82, 485506. 10.1146/annurev-physiol-021119-034332

  • 84

    RuY.GuH.SunL.ZhangW.WangL. (2024). Mechanical stretch-induced ATP release from osteocytes promotes osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Discov. Med.36 (182), 494508. 10.24976/Discov.Med.202436182.46

  • 85

    SasakiF.HayashiM.MouriY.NakamuraS.AdachiT.NakashimaT. (2020). Mechanotransduction via the Piezo1-Akt pathway underlies sost suppression in osteocytes. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.521 (3), 806813. 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.10.174

  • 86

    SatoM.OguraK.KimuraM.NishiK.AndoM.TazakiM.et al (2018). Activation of mechanosensitive transient receptor potential/piezo channels in odontoblasts generates action potentials in cocultured isolectin B(4)-negative medium-sized trigeminal ganglion neurons. J. Endod.44 (6), 984991. 10.1016/j.joen.2018.02.020

  • 87

    SchröderA.NeherK.KrenmayrB.PaddenbergE.SpanierG.ProffP.et al (2023). Impact of PIEZO1-channel on inflammation and osteoclastogenesis mediated via periodontal ligament fibroblasts during mechanical loading. Eur. J. Oral Sci.131 (1), e12913. 10.1111/eos.12913

  • 88

    ShahH. N.JonesR. E.BorrelliM. R.RobertsonK.SalhotraA.WanD. C.et al (2021). Craniofacial and long bone development in the context of distraction osteogenesis. Plast. Reconstr. Surg.147 (1), 54e65e. 10.1097/prs.0000000000007451

  • 89

    ShenB.TasdoganA.UbellackerJ. M.ZhangJ.NosyrevaE. D.DuL.et al (2021). A mechanosensitive peri-arteriolar niche for osteogenesis and lymphopoiesis. Nat591 (7850), 438444. 10.1038/s41586-021-03298-5

  • 90

    ShenX.WuW.YingY.ZhouL.ZhuH. (2023). A regulatory role of Piezo1 in apoptosis of periodontal tissue and periodontal ligament fibroblasts during orthodontic tooth movement. Aust. Endod. J.49 (S1), 228237. 10.1111/aej.12721

  • 91

    ShenY.PanY.GuoS.SunL.ZhangC.WangL. (2020). The roles of mechanosensitive ion channels and associated downstream MAPK signaling pathways in PDLC mechanotransduction. Mol. Med. Rep.21 (5), 21132122. 10.3892/mmr.2020.11006

  • 92

    SolisA. G.BieleckiP.SteachH. R.SharmaL.HarmanC. C. D.YunS.et al (2019). Mechanosensation of cyclical force by PIEZO1 is essential for innate immunity. Nat573 (7772), 6974. 10.1038/s41586-019-1485-8

  • 93

    SongJ.LiuL.LvL.HuS.TariqA.WangW.et al (2020). Fluid shear stress induces Runx-2 expression via upregulation of PIEZO1 in MC3T3-E1 cells. Cell Biol. Int.44 (7), 14911502. 10.1002/cbin.11344

  • 94

    SonkodiB. (2022). Delayed onset muscle soreness and critical neural microdamage-derived neuroinflammation. Biomolecules12 (9), 1207. 10.3390/biom12091207

  • 95

    SugimotoA.IwataK.KurogoushiR.TanakaM.NakashimaY.YamakawaY.et al (2023). C-terminus of PIEZO1 governs Ca(2+) influx and intracellular ERK1/2 signaling pathway in mechanotransduction. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.682, 3945. 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.080

  • 96

    SugimotoA.MiyazakiA.KawarabayashiK.ShonoM.AkazawaY.HasegawaT.et al (2017). Piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 functions as a regulator of the cell fate determination of mesenchymal stem cells. Sci. Rep.7 (1), 17696. 10.1038/s41598-017-18089-0

  • 97

    SunW.ChiS.LiY.LingS.TanY.XuY.et al (2019). The mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel is required for bone formation. Elife8, e47454. 10.7554/eLife.47454

  • 98

    SyedaR.XuJ.DubinA. E.CosteB.MathurJ.HuynhT.et al (2015). Chemical activation of the mechanotransduction channel Piezo1. Elife4, e07369. 10.7554/eLife.07369

  • 99

    SzczotM.LiljencrantzJ.GhitaniN.BarikA.LamR.ThompsonJ. H.et al (2018). PIEZO2 mediates injury-induced tactile pain in mice and humans. Sci. Transl. Med.10 (462), eaat9892. 10.1126/scitranslmed.aat9892

  • 100

    TangZ.WeiX.LiT.WuH.XiaoX.HaoY.et al (2021). Three-dimensionally printed Ti2448 with low stiffness enhanced angiogenesis and osteogenesis by regulating macrophage polarization via Piezo1/YAP signaling axis. Front. Cell Dev. Biol.9, 750948. 10.3389/fcell.2021.750948

  • 101

    TaoH.ZhuM.LauK.WhitleyO. K. W.SamaniM.XiaoX.et al (2019). Oscillatory cortical forces promote three dimensional cell intercalations that shape the murine mandibular arch. Nat. Commun.10 (1), 1703. 10.1038/s41467-019-09540-z

  • 102

    UeharaM.KoshoT.TakanoK.InabaY.KuraishiS.IkegamiS.et al (2020). Proximal junctional kyphosis after posterior spinal fusion for severe kyphoscoliosis in a patient with PIEZO2-deficient arthrogryposis syndrome. Spine (Phila Pa 1976)45 (10), E600e604. 10.1097/brs.0000000000003347

  • 103

    WanY.ZhouJ.LiH. (2024). The role of mechanosensitive piezo channels in chronic pain. J. Pain Res.17, 41994212. 10.2147/JPR.S490459

  • 104

    WangB.LiG.ZhuQ.LiuW.KeW.HuaW.et al (2022). Bone repairment via mechanosensation of Piezo1 using wearable pulsed triboelectric nanogenerator. Small18 (30), e2201056. 10.1002/smll.202201056

  • 105

    WangL.YouX.LotinunS.ZhangL.WuN.ZouW. (2020). Mechanical sensing protein PIEZO1 regulates bone homeostasis via osteoblast-osteoclast crosstalk. Nat. Commun.11 (1), 282. 10.1038/s41467-019-14146-6

  • 106

    WangL.ZhouH.ZhangM.LiuW.DengT.ZhaoQ.et al (2019). Structure and mechanogating of the Mammalian tactile channel PIEZO2. Nat573 (7773), 225229. 10.1038/s41586-019-1505-8

  • 107

    WangY.ChiS.GuoH.LiG.WangL.ZhaoQ.et al (2018). A lever-like transduction pathway for long-distance chemical- and mechano-gating of the mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel. Nat. Commun.9 (1), 1300. 10.1038/s41467-018-03570-9

  • 108

    WangY.GroegerS.YongJ.RufS. (2023). Orthodontic compression enhances macrophage M2 polarization via histone H3 hyperacetylation. Int. J. Mol. Sci.24 (4), 3117. 10.3390/ijms24043117

  • 109

    WooS.-H.LukacsV.de NooijJ. C.ZaytsevaD.CriddleC. R.FranciscoA.et al (2015). Piezo2 is the principal mechanotransduction channel for proprioception. Nat. Neurosci.18 (12), 17561762. 10.1038/nn.4162

  • 110

    WuR. W.LianW. S.ChenY. S.KoJ. Y.WangS. Y.JahrH.et al (2021). Piezoelectric microvibration mitigates estrogen loss-induced osteoporosis and promotes Piezo1, MicroRNA-29a, and Wnt3a signaling in osteoblasts. Int. J. Mol. Sci.22 (17), 9476. 10.3390/ijms22179476

  • 111

    XiaoB. (2020). Levering mechanically activated piezo channels for potential pharmacological intervention. Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol.60 (1), 195218. 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010919-023703

  • 112

    XiaoB. (2024). Mechanisms of mechanotransduction and physiological roles of PIEZO channels. Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol.25 (11), 886903. 10.1038/s41580-024-00773-5

  • 113

    XingY.YangB.HeY.XieB.ZhaoT.ChenJ. (2022). Effects of mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells. Ann. Anat.239, 151847. 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151847

  • 114

    XiongH.YangJ.GuoJ.MaA.WangB.KangY. (2022). Mechanosensitive piezo channels mediate the physiological and pathophysiological changes in the respiratory system. Respir. Res.23 (1), 196. 10.1186/s12931-022-02122-6

  • 115

    XuH.GuanJ.JinZ.YinC.WuS.SunW.et al (2022). Mechanical force modulates macrophage proliferation via Piezo1-AKT-Cyclin D1 axis. Faseb J.36 (8), e22423. 10.1096/fj.202200314R

  • 116

    XuX.LiuS.LiuH.RuK.JiaY.WuZ.et al (2021). Piezo channels: Awesome mechanosensitive structures in cellular mechanotransduction and their role in bone. Int. J. Mol. Sci.22 (12), 6429. 10.3390/ijms22126429

  • 117

    YanL.JiangJ.MaC.LiR.XiaY. (2019). Effect of knocking Down Piezo1 mechanically sensitive protein on migration of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells. Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi33 (1), 2834. 10.7507/1002-1892.201806121

  • 118

    YanW.MaimaitiminM.WuY.FanY.RenS.ZhaoF.et al (2023). Meniscal fibrocartilage regeneration inspired by meniscal maturational and regenerative process. Sci. Adv.9 (45), eadg8138. 10.1126/sciadv.adg8138

  • 119

    YangW.LinL.HuS.JiangB.YangR.YuW.et al (2024). Expression patterns of mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZOs in irreversible pulpitis. BMC Oral Health24 (1), 465. 10.1186/s12903-024-04209-6

  • 120

    YangX.LinC.ChenX.LiS.LiX.XiaoB. (2022). Structure deformation and curvature sensing of PIEZO1 in lipid membranes. Nat604 (7905), 377383. 10.1038/s41586-022-04574-8

  • 121

    YonedaM.SuzukiH.HatanoN.NakanoS.MurakiY.MiyazawaK.et al (2019). PIEZO1 and TRPV4, which are distinct mechano-sensors in the osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, modify cell-proliferation. Int. J. Mol. Sci.20 (19), 4960. 10.3390/ijms20194960

  • 122

    ZhaiQ.DongZ.WangW.LiB.JinY. (2019). Dental stem cell and dental tissue regeneration. Front. Med.13 (2), 152159. 10.1007/s11684-018-0628-x

  • 123

    ZhangD.LinW.JiangS.DengP.LiuL.WangQ.et al (2023). Lepr‐expressing PDLSCs contribute to periodontal homeostasis and respond to mechanical force by Piezo1. Adv. Sci. (Weinh)10 (29), 2303291. 10.1002/advs.202303291

  • 124

    ZhangG.LiX.WuL.QinY. X. (2021). Piezo1 channel activation in response to mechanobiological acoustic radiation force in osteoblastic cells. Bone Res.9 (1), 16. 10.1038/s41413-020-00124-y

  • 125

    ZhangM.WangY.GengJ.ZhouS.XiaoB. (2019). Mechanically activated piezo channels mediate touch and suppress acute mechanical pain response in mice. Cell Rep.26 (6), 14191431. 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.056

  • 126

    ZhangX.HouL.LiF.ZhangW.WuC.XiangL.et al (2022). Piezo1-mediated mechanosensation in bone marrow macrophages promotes vascular niche regeneration after irradiation injury. Theranostics12 (4), 16211638. 10.7150/thno.64963

  • 127

    ZhangY. Y.HuangY. P.ZhaoH. X.ZhangT.ChenF.LiuY. (2017). Cementogenesis is inhibited under a mechanical static compressive force via Piezo1. Angle Orthod.87 (4), 618624. 10.2319/110616-799.1

  • 128

    ZhaoQ.WuK.GengJ.ChiS.WangY.ZhiP.et al (2016). Ion permeation and mechanotransduction mechanisms of mechanosensitive piezo channels. Neuron89 (6), 12481263. 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.01.046

  • 129

    ZhengF.WuT.WangF.LiH.TangH.CuiX.et al (2024). Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes the osteogenesis of mechanical force-treated periodontal ligament cells via Piezo1. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.12, 1347406. 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1347406

  • 130

    ZhouT.GaoB.FanY.LiuY.FengS.CongQ.et al (2020). Piezo1/2 mediate mechanotransduction essential for bone formation through concerted activation of NFAT-YAP1-ß-catenin. Elife9, e52779. 10.7554/eLife.52779

  • 131

    ZhouT.PanJ.WuP.HuangR.DuW.ZhouY.et al (2019). Dental follicle cells: roles in development and beyond. Stem Cells Int.2019, 9159605. 10.1155/2019/9159605

Summary

Keywords

Piezo protein, cellular mechanotransduction, bone, tooth, ion channels

Citation

Dong J, Li R, Chen Y, Zhu G and Liang X (2025) Mechanosensitive Piezo channels in mineralized tissues: emerging roles in osteodental adaptation and disease. Front. Cell Dev. Biol. 13:1607337. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1607337

Received

07 April 2025

Accepted

24 June 2025

Published

10 July 2025

Volume

13 - 2025

Edited by

Weimin Gao, Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI), United States

Reviewed by

Takeshi Nomura, University of Hyogo, Japan

Weifang Zhang, Zhejiang University, China

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Xing Liang, ; Guixin Zhu,

‡ These authors share senior authorship

† Guixin Zhu, Shaoxing Stomatological Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Outline

Figures

Cite article

Copy to clipboard


Export citation file


Share article

Article metrics