Increased fibroblast stiffness as a result of pharmacological activation of mechanosensitive Piezo1 ion channels

M. M. Khalisov^a, V. A. Penniyaynen^a, A. V. Berintseva^a, S. A. Podzorova^a, G. G. Zegrya^ab, B. V. Krylov<sup>a

a</sup> Pavlov Institute of Physiology Russian Academy of Sciences
^b Ioffe Institute, St. Petersburg

Abstract: The effects of Jedi2, a pharmacological activator of the mechanosensitive Piezo1 ion channels, on cardiac fibroblasts were studied. Using atomic force microscopy, it was found that Jedi2 at a concentration of 10 $\mu$M increases cell stiffness. Immunofluorescence analysis showed an increase in the intensity of $F$-actin fluorescence in cells at the specified concentration of Jedi2. It is likely Jedi2 at a concentration of 10 $\mu$M activates Piezo1-mediated Ca$^{2+}$-dependent signaling cascades, which lead to an increase in F-actin levels and, as a result, an increase in cell stiffness.

Keywords: Piezo1, Jedi2, fibroblasts, actin, atomic force microscopy.

Received: 05.06.2025
Revised: 16.09.2025
Accepted: 17.09.2025

DOI: 10.61011/PJTF.2026.02.62071.20398

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