Q92508

Piezo1 also known as FAM38A is a mechanically-activated ion channel that links mechanical forces to biological signals. Piezo1 plays a regulatory role in macrophage-mediated inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer metastasis. Piezo1 is a trimer with three blade-like propellers inserted within the lipid bilayer with a central ion channel that senses various mechanical forces such as membrane tension, shear stress, and cyclical pressure. The protein is engaged in a variety of essential biological processes, including vascular and lymphatic valve development, musculoskeletal function, and bone formation . The encoded protein contains 36 transmembrane domains and functions as a homotetramer. Defects in this gene have been associated with dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis.