Fig. 3: A stiffness-triggered positive feedback loop between Piezo1 and integrin β1 emerges during CF activation. | Cell Discovery

Fig. 3: A stiffness-triggered positive feedback loop between Piezo1 and integrin β1 emerges during CF activation.

From: A positive mechanobiological feedback loop controls bistable switching of cardiac fibroblast phenotype

Fig. 3: A stiffness-triggered positive feedback loop between Piezo1 and integrin β1 emerges during CF activation.The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.

a Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that, in CFs cultured on stiff matrices, but not in CFs cultured on “medium” or “soft” matrices, Piezo1 expression increased with increasing RGD concentration on the matrix (grey, Piezo1). Scale bar, 50 μm. b Quantification of the immunofluorescence staining in panel a (n ≥ 17 cells). c Blocking of integrin β1 by antibodies eliminated these effects in CFs cultured on stiff matrices, reducing both expression of Piezo1 (grey, Piezo1) and cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations (Fluo-4 AM). Scale bar, 50 μm. d Knockdown of Piezo1 with siPiezo1 reduced expression of integrin β1 (green) and the focal adhesion proteins vinculin and paxillin (red). Scale bar, 10 μm. e, f Quantification of the fluorescence intensities in panel c (e n ≥ 11 cells; f n ≥ 50 cells). g, h Quantifications of the data in panel d (n ≥ 17 data points). i Overexpression of Piezo1 with Yoda1 increased expression of integrin β1 on stiff hydrogels but not soft matrix. Scale bar, 10 μm. j Quantifications of the data in panel i (n ≥ 75 data points). k Schematic diagram of the PFL.

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