Fig. 9
From: Structure, kinetic properties and biological function of mechanosensitive Piezo channels
Role of Piezo1 in erythrocytes. The left side of the figure depicts the Piezo1 channel regulating erythrocyte volume. In overhydrated red blood cells (RBCs), Piezo1-mediated Ca2+ influx activates K+ efflux through the Gardos channel (KCa3.1), which in turn leads to water loss and RBC dehydration. The right side of the figure shows the working model for how Piezo1 channel activation regulates the release of ATP from erythrocytes. In erythrocytes, shear can activate the Piezo1 channel and induce Ca2+ influx, which triggers significant ATP release that is dependent on pannexin-1 (Px1)