Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Piezo1 Activated by Matrix Stiffness Regulates Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence and Apoptosis in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Figure 5

Schematic illustration of Piezo1 in human NP cells as a mechanical transduction mediator for stiff ECM stimulation. Piezo1, activated by matrix stiffness, increases intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and regulates ER stress and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and senescence in human NP cells.