Piezo1 and Piezo2 are mechanosensitive ion channels involved in several physiological processes like regulating red blood cell volume and blood pressure. Piezo1 has also been linked to bone growth, angiogenesis, and cancer metastasis. Multiple studies have shown that Piezo1 promotes tumor migration, invasion, and metastasis in several types of cancer by activating pathways related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell proliferation and migration. Piezo1 channels may play a role in the intravasation and extravasation of cancer cells and help disseminate cancer during metastasis.

1. Mechanosensitive Ion
Channels in Eukaryotes
Piezo1 & 2 and their structure, function and prospects in medical use

2. Piezo 1
Involved in a range of physiological processes
- Regulation of RBC volume
- Baroreception and Blood Pressure Regulation
- Bone Growth and Osteogenesis
- Angiogenesis
It is also a very promising chemo-therapy target as it has been linked to
metastasis of tumors

3. Piezo 1 Structure

4. Piezo 1 and Cancer
Metastasis is the process by which a primary tumor spreads to another
part of the hosts body.

5. Piezo1 & Angiogenesis

6. Invasion & Migration
Multiple studies have implicated Piezo1 in the promotion of tumor
migration in breast, gastric, prostate and pancreatic cancer cells.
EMT is promoted by Piezo1
Activation of Piezo1 causes translocation of YAP-1 to the nucleus

7. Intravasation and Extravasation
The EGFR Pathway is one of the most important pathways in
mammalian cells. It regulates multiple cellular processes such as;
Proliferation, Migration, Differentiation, Apoptosis.
Breakdown of the ECM via tumor proteins is vital to intravasation
Piezo1 channels have been implicated in vasation in lung cancer
Ca2+ inhibition results in reduced extravasation of cancer cells

8. Dissemination
The movement of intravasated cancer cells through the blood or lymph
vessels.
Increased platelet binding helps protect the cancer cells from shear
stress, increasing their chance of survival and extravasation at a later
stage.