1485-Zonated Mechanosensing Controls Liver Regeneration

The research article identifies a specialized population of DPP4+ hepatocytes located in the liver's mid-lobular zone 2 that serves as a primary engine for organ regeneration. These cells act as a mechanical hotspot, using the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1 to detect physical changes like cellular hypertrophy and tissue tension following injury. Once activated by these mechanical cues, PIEZO1 triggers a signaling pathway involving calcium influx and the transcription factor NFATC3 to increase IGFBP2 expression. This process effectively translates physical stress into a proliferative program that restores lost liver mass. The study demonstrates that deleting PIEZO1 severely impairs recovery, while enhancing its function accelerates healing, revealing a vital link between tissue mechanics and biological repair. These findings suggest that the PIEZO1-IGFBP2 axis could be a promising therapeutic target for treating chronic liver disease and improving surgical outcomes.References:Zhang Y, Sun Y, Xu G, et al. Zonated mechanosensing by PIEZO1 controls liver regeneration[J]. Science, 2026, 393(6806): eaef0825.前往小宇宙评论区与主播互动