Biology subjects

Beech, D. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Beech, D. J..

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Tissue-specific endothelial cell heterogeneity in human type 2 diabetes

Transcriptomic heterogeneity of microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC) within subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in preclinical models of obesity/type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is well-established. Here, we examined if such heterogeneity exists between two canonical insulin-target tissues, SAT and skeletal muscle (SkM). Characterisation of SAT and SkM MVEC from humans with T2DM demonstrated that SAT, but not SkM, exhibited cellular stress at transcriptomic, morphological, and protein levels.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Contribution of endothelial Piezo1 in mechanically induced muscle hypertrophy

Piezo1 proteins form nonselective cation channels with key roles in endothelial responses to mechanical forces. Here we reveal that endothelial Piezo1 regulates skeletal muscle hypertrophy following mechanical overload. Using a conditional endothelial cell-specific deletion of Piezo1 in adult mice, we assessed the role of endothelial Piezo1 in mechanical overload-induced muscle hypertrophy in the extensor digitorum longus. Endothelial Piezo1 deletion blunted muscle hypertrophy following mechanical overload despite normal baseline vascularisation, as evidenced by a lack of increase in muscle mass and abolished myofibre growth. Despite being required for optimal muscle growth, endothelial Piezo1 was dispensable for muscle regeneration after injury. In line with this, the reduced muscle growth following mechanical overload was not associated with impaired myonuclear accretion. We suggest that endothelial Piezo1 participates in a myofibre partnership that regulates skeletal muscle growth in response to mechanical overload.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2025

(-)-Englerin A binds a conserved lipid site of TRPC5 and exposes a Met-aromatic motif in channel activation

TRPC4/5 cation channels are polymodal cellular sensors that play key roles in signal transduction/integration and have been implicated in various human pathologies, including anxiety, pain and cardiometabolic disease1-3. The plant natural product (-)-englerin A (EA)4 is a potent, selective TRPC4/5 agonist5,6 that has transformed fundamental and translational research on TRPC4/5 channels. However, the structural basis of interactions between EA and TRPC4/5 proteins has remained elusive, limiting our ability to fully understand and exploit mechanisms of TRPC4/5 channel activation by this intriguing natural product. Here, we present nine high-resolution cryo-EM structures (2.4-3.2 [A]) of human TRPC5 - representing different states and ligand occupancies - which show that EA binds to a conserved lipid binding site between transmembrane domains of adjacent TRPC5 subunits. Our structural models are consistent with the effects of mutagenesis of nearby residues on EAs potency, efficacy and activation kinetics, and allow us to rationalise competitive inhibition by other TRPC4/5 modulators as well as EAs selectivity profile within the TRPC family. Comparison of structures containing various TRPC5:EA stoichiometries revealed key structural and molecular determinants of EA-mediated TRPC5 activation - most notably the aromatic interaction network around Phe520 - underscoring the critical function of Met-aromatic motifs in ion channel structure and function. Binding of EA causes conformational changes of nearby amino acid residues, resulting in rearrangement of the pore helices into a pre-open state. Collectively, we provide structural insight into the mode-of-action of the most widely used TRPC4/5 agonist, which will underpin fundamental TRPC4/5 channel research as well as ongoing drug discovery programmes.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Two-pore channel protein 2-mediated calcium release promotes angiopoietin 2 secretion by regulating Rab46-dependent Weibel-Palade body trafficking

Angiopoietin2 (Ang2), a regulator of angiogenesis, is stored with other pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic mediators, in endothelial-specific vesicles called Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs). The WPB secretagogue, histamine, delays Ang2 secretion by activating Rab46-specific trafficking of Ang2-positive WPBs to the microtubule organising centre (MTOC), where they persist until Ca2+ binds to the EF-hand of Rab46, enabling detachment. Here, using Ca2+ imaging and high-resolution light microscopy, we pharmacologically investigated the contribution of endolysosomal two-pore channels proteins (TPC) to the Ca2+ signal necessary for Ang2 secretion. We show an increase in the histamine-evoked clustering of Rab46 (and thus WPBs) at the MTOC in the presence of TPC inhibitors Ned19 and tetrandrine, and a decrease in the presence of a TPC2 agonist, TPC2-A1-N. Histamine-evoked secretion of Ang2 was decreased by pharmacological inhibition of TPC channels but potentiated in the presence of an TPC2 agonist. These data suggest that histamine-mediated Ca2+ release via TPC2 channels is necessary for the Rab46-dependent detachment of Ang2-positive WPBs from the MTOC and thus Ang2 secretion. SummaryCa2+ binding to the EF-hand of Rab46 in endothelial cells has previously been reported but the molecular mechanisms and functional relevance is unclear. Here the authors show that Ca2+ released from TPC2 regulates the detachment of Rab46 from the MTOC and thereby allows secretion of Ang2 from WPBs.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Small molecule modulation of insulin receptor-insulin like growth factor-1 receptor heterodimers in human endothelial cells

ObjectivesThe insulin receptor (IR) and insulin like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) are heterodimers consisting of two extracellular -subunits and two transmembrane {beta} -subunits. Insulin {beta} and insulin like growth factor-1 {beta} hemi-receptors can heterodimerize to form hybrids composed of one IR {beta} and one IGF-1R {beta}. The function of hybrids in the endothelium is unclear. We sought insight by developing a small molecule capable of reducing hybrid formation in endothelial cells. MethodsWe performed a high-throughput small molecule screening, based on a homology model of hybrid structure. Endothelial cells were studied using western blotting and qPCR to determine the effects of small molecules that reduced hybrid formation. ResultsOur studies unveil a first-in-class quinoline-containing heterocyclic small molecule that reduces hybrids by >50% in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with no effects on insulin or insulin like growth factor-1 receptors. This small molecule reduced expression of the negative regulatory p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, increased basal phosphorylation of the downstream target Akt and enhanced insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 and shear stress-induced serine phosphorylation of Akt. In primary saphenous vein endothelial cells (SVEC) from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery, hybrid receptor expression was greater than in patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus. The small molecule significantly reduced hybrid expression in SVEC from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ConclusionsWe identified a small molecule that decreases the formation of IR: IGF-1R hybrid receptors in human endothelial cells, without significant impact on the overall expression of IR or IGF-1R. In HUVECs, reduction of IR: IGF-1R hybrid receptors leads to an increase in insulin-induced serine phosphorylation of the critical downstream signalling kinase, Akt. The underpinning mechanism appears, at least in part to involve the attenuation of the adverse effect of IR: IGF-1R hybrid receptors on PI3-kinase signalling. HighlightsO_LIWe have discovered a small molecule (HI) that inhibits insulin receptor/IGF-1 receptor hybrid formation. C_LIO_LIHI reveals previously unrecognised actions of insulin receptor/IGF-1 receptor hybrids distinct to insulin and IGF-1 receptors in endothelial cells. C_LIO_LITreatment of endothelial cells with HI enhances activity of the downstream signalling kinase Akt due to inhibitory regulation via PI3-K. C_LI

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Pico145 inhibits TRPC4-mediated mICAT and postprandial small intestinal motility

Background & AimsIn intestinal smooth muscle cells, receptor-operated TRPC4 are responsible for the majority of muscarinic receptor cation current (mICAT), which initiates cholinergic excitation-contraction coupling. Our aim was to examine the effects of the TRPC4 inhibitor Pico145 on mICAT and Ca2+ signalling in mouse ileal myocytes, and on intestinal motility. MethodsIleal myocytes freshly isolated from two month-old male BALB/c mice were used for patch-clamp recordings of whole-cell currents and for intracellular Ca2+ imaging using Fura-2. Functional assessment of Pico145s effects was carried out by standard in vitro tensiometry, ex vivo video recordings and in vivo postprandial intestinal transit measurements using carmine red. ResultsCarbachol (50 {micro}M)-induced mICAT was strongly inhibited by Pico145 starting from 1 pM. The IC50 value for the inhibitory effect of Pico145 on this current evoked by intracellularly applied GTP{gamma}S (200 {micro}M), and thus lacking desensitisation, was found to be 3.1 pM, while carbachol-induced intracellular Ca2+ rises were inhibited with IC50 of 2.7 pM. In contrast, the current activated by direct TRPC4 agonist (-)-englerin A was less sensitive to the action of Pico145 that caused only [~]43% current inhibition at 100 pM. The inhibitory effect developed rather slowly and it was potentiated by membrane depolarisation. In functional assays, Pico145 produced concentration-dependent suppression of both spontaneous and carbachol-evoked intestinal smooth muscle contractions and delayed postprandial intestinal transit. ConclusionsPico145 is a potent GI-active small-molecule which completely inhibits mICAT at picomolar concentrations and which is as effective as trpc4 gene deficiency in in vivo intestinal motility tests.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2023

PIEZO1 force sensing controls global lipid homeostasis

How cardiovascular activity beneficially regulates lipid homeostasis is unclear. Here we hypothesise a mechanism in which mechanical force sensed by PIEZO1 ion channels in endothelium links blood flow to lipid regulation. We engineered mice for conditional deletion of PIEZO1 in endothelium and determined consequences for lipid regulation. Prominent are upregulated expression of hepatic Cyp7a1 and intestinal Ldlr genes, which are pivotal in cholesterol catabolism and excretion. Consistent with such regulation is endothelial PIEZO1-dependence of hepatic, intestinal and whole body cholesterol and bile homeostasis. There is organ perfusion-dependent gene regulation via endothelial PIEZO1 and downstream nitric oxide synthase. Endothelial PIEZO1-deleted mice are protected against hyperlipidaemia and ectopic fat deposition. Human PIEZO1 gene variants and a recapitulated human PIEZO1 gain-of-function variant in mice associate with dyslipidaemia. The data suggest lipid-promoting effects of endothelial force sensing and new opportunity for understanding and addressing problems of hyperlipidaemia.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2023

Low oscillatory shear stress regulates Weibel-Palade body size and vWF release.

Blood flow regulates vascular function by generating wall shear stress which impacts endothelial cell (EC) physiology. Whilst high laminar shear stress (HSS) maintains the functional integrity of the vasculature, low oscillatory shear stress (LOSS) evokes secretion of pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory components from ECs, thus promoting the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory cargo are readily stored in endothelial-specific organelles termed Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs). WPBs form purely due to the multimerization of the pro-thrombotic glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (vWF). Here we investigated if aberrant shear stress, induced by non-uniform oscillatory flow, modulates the biogenesis of WPBs, and the subsequent release of vWF. Ultimately, we demonstrate, using an in vitro model, that LOSS has no effect on the level of vWF expression, however, LOSS promotes endothelial thrombotic potential by increasing WPB size, which impacts the length of the vWF strings that are released upon stimulation. Thus, wall shear stress can confer functional plasticity to WPBs by manipulating their biogenesis. Further understanding of the underlying mechanisms could aid generation of novel therapeutics in CVD.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

A small molecule reveals role of insulin receptor-insulin like growth factor-1 receptor heterodimers

The insulin receptor and insulin like growth factor-1 receptor are heterodimers consisting of two extracellular -subunits and two transmembrane {beta}-subunits. IR {beta} and IGF1R {beta} hemi-receptors can heterodimerize to form hybrids composed of one IR {beta} and one IGF1R {beta}. Widely distributed in mammalian tissues, in contrast to IR and IGF1R the physiological function of hybrids is unclear. To identify tool compounds that inhibit hybrid formation we performed a high-throughput small molecule screen based on a homology model of hybrid structure. Our studies unveil a first in class quinoline-containing heterocyclic small molecule that reduces hybrids by >50% in human umbilical vein endothelial cells with no effect on IR or IGF1R expression. Downstream of IR and IGF1R our small molecule led to reduced expression of the negative regulatory p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, an increase in phosphorylation of its downstream target Akt and enhanced insulin and shear-induced phosphorylation of Akt. We show that hybrids have a role in human endothelial cell physiology distinct from IR and IGF1R.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Paracrine role for endothelial IGF-1 receptor in white adipocyte beiging

There are at least two distinct types of thermogenic adipocyte in mammals: a pre-existing form established during development, termed classical brown adipocytes and an inducible form, beige adipocytes1-3. Various environmental cues can stimulate a process frequently referred to as beiging of white adipose tissue (WAT), leading to enhanced thermogenesis and obesity resistance 4, 5. Whilst beiging of WAT as a therapeutic goal for obesity and obesity-related complications has attracted much attention6-9; therapeutics stimulating beiging without deleterious side-effects remain elusive10. The endothelium lines all blood vessels and is therefore in close proximity to all cells. Many studies support the possibility that the endothelium acts as a paracrine organ11-14. We explored the potential role of endothelial insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) as a paracrine modulator of WAT phenotype. Here we show that a reduction in endothelial IGF-1R expression in the presence of nutrient excess leads to white adipocyte beiging, increases whole-body energy expenditure and enhances insulin sensitivity via a non-cell autonomous paracrine mechanism. We demonstrate that this is mediated by endothelial release of malonic acid, which we show, using prodrug analogues, has potentially therapeutically-relevant properties in the treatment of metabolic disease.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Suppression of aminoglycoside-induced premature termination codon readthrough by the TRP channel inhibitor AC1903

Nonsense mutations, which occur in ~11% of patients with genetic disorders, introduce premature termination codons (PTCs) that lead to truncated proteins and promote nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Aminoglycosides such as gentamicin and G418 permit PTC readthrough and so may address this problem. However, their effects are variable between patients, making clinical use of aminoglycosides challenging. In this study, we addressed the hypothesis that TRP non-selective cation channels contribute to the variable effect of aminoglycosides by controlling their cellular uptake. To attempt to identify the channel type involved, we tested AC1903, a 2-aminobenzimidazole derivative recently reported to selectively inhibit TRPC5 cation channels. AC1903 consistently suppressed G418 uptake and G418-induced PTC readthrough in the DMS-114 cell line and patient-derived JEB01 keratinocytes. In an effort to validate the suggested role of TRPC5, we tested an independent and more potent inhibitor called Pico145, which affects channels containing TRPC1, TRPC4 and TRPC5 but not other TRPCs or other channels. Unexpectedly, Pico145 was completely without effect, suggesting that AC1903 may work through other or additional targets. Consistent with this suggestion, AC1903 inhibited multiple TRPC channels including homomeric TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPC6 as well as concatemeric TRPC4-C1 and TRPC5-C1 channels, all with low micromolar IC50 values. It also inhibited TRPV4 channels but had weak or no effects on TRPV1 and no effect on another non-selective cation channel, PIEZO1. Overall, our study reveals a suppressor of aminoglycoside-mediated PTC readthrough (i.e., AC1903) but suggests that this compound has previously unrecognised effects. These effects require further investigation to determine the molecular mechanism by which AC1903 suppresses aminoglycoside uptake and PTC readthrough.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2020

Cryo-EM structures of human TRPC5 reveal interaction of a xanthine-based TRPC1/4/5 inhibitor with a conserved lipid binding site.

TRPC1/4/5 channels are non-specific cation channels implicated in a wide variety of diseases, and TRPC1/4/5 inhibitors have recently entered the first clinical trials. However, fundamental and translational studies require a better understanding of TRPC1/4/5 channel regulation by endogenous and exogenous factors. Although several potent and selective TRPC1/4/5 modulators have been reported, the paucity of mechanistic insights into their modes-of-action remains a barrier to the development of new chemical probes and drug candidates. The xanthine class of modulators includes the most potent and selective TRPC1/4/5 inhibitors described to date, as well as TRPC5 activators. Our previous studies suggest that xanthines interact with a, so far, elusive pocket of TRPC1/4/5 channels that is essential to channel gating. Targeting this pocket may be a promising strategy for TRPC1/4/5 drug discovery. Here we report the first structure of a small molecule-bound TRPC1/4/5 channel - human TRPC5 in complex with the xanthine Pico145 - to 3.0 [A]. We found that Pico145 binds to a conserved lipid binding site of TRPC5, where it displaces a bound phospholipid. Our findings explain the mode-of-action of xanthine-based TRPC1/4/5 modulators, and suggest a structural basis for TRPC1/4/5 modulation by endogenous factors such as (phospho)lipids and Zn2+ ions. These studies lay the foundations for the structure-based design of new generations of TRPC1/4/5 modulators.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Molecular principles of Piezo1 activation by increased membrane tension

SUMMARY PARAGRAPHPiezo1 is a mechanosensitive channel involved in many cellular functions and responsible for sensing shear-stress and pressure forces in cells1-3. Piezo1 plays a critical role in the circulatory system and tissue development. Mutations on Piezo1 are linked to human diseases such as lymphedema2,4 or hematological disorders such as hemolytic anaemia5 and resistance to malaria6. Hypotheses for Piezo1 gating include the "force-from-lipids" principle7,8 that suggests that Piezo1 senses mechanical forces through the bilayer1,9 and a direct involvement of the cytoskeleton as well as the extracellular matrix in Piezo1 activation10,11. However, the molecular and structural changes underpinning the Piezo1 gating mechanism and how the channel senses forces in the membrane remain unknown. Here we reveal the activation mechanism of Piezo1 and the structural rearrangements that occur when Piezo1 moves from a closed to an open state when mechanical tension is applied to the cell membrane. Our results show that Piezo1s curved shape is stable in a native-like model membrane without tension creating a membrane indentation with a trilobed topology. Upon stretching Piezo1 adapts to the stretched bilayer by flattening and expansion of its blade region. In our simulations Piezo1 expands up to a planar circular area of [~]680 nm2 comparable with previous structural data and hypotheses12-14. Piezo1 flattening and expansion results in changes in the beam helix tilt angle. These movements result in the tilting and lateral movement of the pore lining TM37 and TM38 helices. This leads to the opening of the channel and to the movement of lipids that occupy Piezo1 pore region outside of this region, revealing for the first time the structural changes that happen during Piezo1 mechanical activation. The changes in the blade region are transmitted to helices TM37 and 38 via hydrophobic interactions and by interactions of neighbouring subunits via the elbow region. The flat structure of Piezo1 identified in this study exposes the C-terminal extracellular domain (CED) that in the closed state is hidden in the membrane and presumably from shear stress. Our results provide new structural data for different states of Piezo1 and suggest the molecular principles by which mechanical force opens the Piezo1 channel, thus coupling force to physiological effect via ion permeation.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2019

Sphingomyelinase disables Piezo1 channel inactivation to enable sustained response to mechanical force

Piezo1 channels are determinants of vascular responses to fluid flow. They importantly provide sustained response to flow, but this property contrasts with the rapid inactivation that has become a hallmark of the channels in heterologous overexpression studies. Here we reveal a mechanism by which blood vessels disable inactivation to enable sustained physiological response. Creation of a molecular model of Piezo1 channel in defined lipid membranes suggested potential modulation by sphingomyelin and its product ceramide. Biological relevance was indicated by the observation that exogenous sphingomyelinase enhanced Piezo1-mediated Ca2+ entry in cultured endothelial cells. We therefore hypothesised that endogenous sphingomyelinase suppresses channel inactivation. Remarkably, in endothelium freshly-isolated from murine artery, neutral sphingomyelinase inhibitors or genetic disruption of sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (SMPD3) caused flow- and pressure-activated Piezo1 channels to become inactivating. SMPD3 retained its ability to disable inactivation in cell-free membrane patches, providing evidence for a membrane localised effect. The data suggest that inherent inactivation of Piezo1 channels is disabled by enzymatic control of lipid environment to enable physiological response to mechanical force.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2019

Computational reconstruction of the complete Piezo1 structure reveals a unique footprint and specific lipid interactions

Piezo1 is a critical mechanical sensor in many cells. It is activated by mechanical force thus allowing cells to sense the physical environment and respond to stress. Structural data have suggested that Piezo1 has a curved shape. Here, we use computational approaches to model, for the first time, the 3D structure of the full-length Piezo1 in an asymmetric membrane. A number of novel insights emerge: (i) Piezo1 creates a dome in the membrane with a trilobed topology that extends beyond the radius of the protein, (ii) Piezo1 changes the lipid environment in its vicinity via specific interactions with cholesterol and PIP2 molecules, (iii) changes in cholesterol concentration that change the membrane stiffness result in changes in the depth of the dome created by Piezo1, and iv) modelling of the N-terminal region that is missing from current structures modifies Piezo1 membrane footprint, suggesting the importance of this region in Piezo1 function.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2019

Piezo1 channel activates ADAM10 sheddase to regulate Notch1 and gene expression

Mechanical force has emerged as a determinant of Notch signalling but the mechanisms of force sensing and coupling to Notch are unclear. Here we propose a role for Piezo1 channels, the recently identified mechanosensors of mammalian systems. Piezo1 channel opening in response to shear stress or a chemical agonist led to activation of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10), a Ca2+-regulated transmembrane sheddase that mediates S2 Notch1 cleavage. Consistent with this observation there was increased Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) that depended on ADAM10 and the downstream S3 cleavage enzyme, {gamma}-secretase. Endothelial-specific disruption of Piezo1 in mice led to decreased Notch1-regulated gene expression in hepatic vasculature, consistent with prior evidence that Notch1 controls hepatic perfusion. The data suggest Piezo1 as a mechanism for coupling physiological force at the endothelium to ADAM10, Notch1, gene expression and vascular function.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Stimulation of cardiac fibroblast Piezo1 channels opposes myofibroblast differentiation and induces IL-6 secretion via Ca2+-mediated p38 MAP kinase activation

Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive cation channel with widespread physiological importance; however its role in the heart is poorly understood. Cardiac fibroblasts are responsible for preserving the structural integrity of the myocardium and play a key role in regulating its repair and remodeling following stress or injury. We investigated expression and function of Piezo1 in cultured human and mouse cardiac fibroblasts. RT-PCR studies confirmed expression of Piezo1 mRNA in cardiac fibroblasts at similar levels to endothelial cells. Fura-2 intracellular Ca2+ measurements validated Piezo1 as a functional ion channel that was activated by the Piezo1 agonist, Yoda1. Yoda1-induced Ca2+ entry was inhibited by Piezo1 blockers (gadolinium, ruthenium red) and the Ca2+ response was reduced proportionally by Piezo1 siRNA knockdown or in cells from Piezo1+/- mice. Investigation of Yoda1 effects on selected remodeling genes indicated that Piezo1 activation opposed cardiac fibroblast differentiation; data confirmed by functional collagen gel contraction assays. Piezo1 activation using Yoda1 or mechanical stretch also increased the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a mechanosensitive pro-hypertrophic and pro-fibrotic cytokine, in a Piezo1-dependent manner. Multiplex kinase activity profiling combined with kinase inhibitor studies and phospho-specific western blotting, established that Piezo1 activation stimulated IL-6 secretion via a pathway involving p38 MAP kinase, downstream of Ca2+ entry. In summary, this study reveals that cardiac fibroblasts express functional Piezo1 channels coupled to reduced myofibroblast activation and increased secretion of paracrine signaling molecules that can modulate cardiac remodeling.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Cell adhesion molecule interaction with Piezo1 channels is a mechanism for sub cellular regulation of mechanical sensitivity

The discovery of Piezo1 channels as force sensors with roles in the endothelial response to fluid flow has appeared contradictory to earlier work suggesting mediation by a triad of cell adhesion molecules (CD31 and VE-cadherin) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Here we propose an explanation. Stimulated emission depletion microscopy revealed physical proximity between Piezo1 and CD31 primarily at cell junctions. Forster resonance energy transfer measured by fluorescence lifetime imaging showed that the proteins approached to less than 10 nm. Substitution of a tyrosine residue at the distal C-terminus of CD31 prevented the interaction, suggesting intracellular association. The extracellular N-terminus also interacted, but exclusively at cell junctions. There was proximity between Piezo1 and VE-cadherin but not VEGFR2. Interaction with VE-cadherin was flow-dependent, consistent with additional recruitment after flow-sensing. CD31 suppressed mechanical sensitivity of Piezo1 channels and interacted with N-terminal Piezo1 propeller arms implicated in force sensing. The data suggest partnership between Piezo1 and adhesion molecules for sub cellular tuning of force response.

cell biology↗