Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1)

Pore-forming subunit of a mechanosensitive non-specific cation channel (PubMed:23479567, PubMed:23695678). Generates currents characterized by a linear current-voltage relationship that are sensitive to ruthenium red and gadolinium.

Plays a vital role in epithelial cell adhesion by maintaining integrin activation through R-Ras recruiting to the ER, most probably in its activated state, and subsequent stimulation of calpain signaling (PubMed:20016066). In the kidney, may contribute to the discovery of intraluminal pressure changes and to urine flow sensing.