Piezo1 promote macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition and bladder fibrosis in neurogenic bladder
摘要
Neurogenic bladder (NB) frequently leads to bladder fibrosis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, has been implicated in fibrotic processes. This study investigated whether Piezo1 promotes macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) and contributes to bladder fibrosis in NB.
MethodsA mouse NB model was established via spinal cord injury. Bladder tissues were analyzed by HE and Masson staining, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot to assess fibrosis and Piezo1 expression. Immunofluorescence colocalization and flow cytometry were used to evaluate MMT. In vitro, RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with TGF-β1, the Piezo1 agonist Yoda1, the Piezo1 inhibitor GsMTx4, or Piezo1 siRNA, followed by assessment of MMT and fibrosis-related protein expression.
ResultsPiezo1 expression was significantly upregulated in NB bladder tissues, correlating with increased collagen deposition and fibronectin expression. Immunofluorescence revealed colocalization of macrophage markers (CD68, F4/80) with α-SMA, indicating MMT in NB tissues. In vitro, TGF-β1-induced MMT was enhanced by Yoda1 and attenuated by GsMTx4 or Piezo1 knockdown, as confirmed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Similarly, Piezo1 activation increased the expression of fibrosis-related proteins (Fibronectin, Collagen I, α-SMA), whereas Piezo1 inhibition suppressed their expression.
ConclusionsPiezo1 is a critical regulator of macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition and promotes bladder fibrosis in neurogenic bladder. Targeting Piezo1 may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to mitigate fibrosis and preserve bladder function in NB patients.