Intestinal Piezo1 aggravates intestinal barrier dysfunction during sepsis by mediating Ca2+ influx

Introduction: Intestinal barrier dysfunction is a pivotal factor in sepsis progression. The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 is associated with barrier function; however, its role in sepsis-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction remains poorly understood.

Methods: The application of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) modeling was performed on both mice of the wild-type (WT) variety and those with Villin-Piezo1^flox/flox genetic makeup to assess the barrier function using in vivo FITC-dextran permeability measurements and immunofluorescence microscopy analysis of tight junctions (TJs) and Apoptosis levels. In vitro, Caco-2 monolayers were subjected to TNF-α incubation. Moreover, to modulate Piezo1 activation, GsMTx4 was applied to inhibit Piezo1 activation. The barrier function, intracellular calcium levels, and mitochondrial function were monitored using calcium imaging and immunofluorescence techniques.

Results: In the intestinal tissues of CLP-induced septic mice, Piezo1 protein levels were notably elevated compared with those in normal mice. Piezo1 has been implicated in the sepsis-mediated disruption of TJs, Apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, elevated intestinal mucosal permeability, and systemic inflammation in WT mice, whereas these effects were absent in Villin-Piezo1^flox/flox CLP mice. In Caco-2 cells, TNF-α prompted calcium influx, an effect reversed by GsMTx4 treatment. Elevated calcium concentrations are correlated with increased accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species, diminished mitochondrial membrane potential, and TJ disruption.

Conclusions: Thus, Piezo1 is a potential contributor to sepsis-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, influencing Apoptosis and TJ modification through calcium influx-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.