New Publication from Dr Sumi’s Research Group

Dr Sumi and her team have published a research article on vascular mechanobiology in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences journal, titled, “Altered venous flow drives endothelial to mesenchymal transition in varicose veins by suppressing PIEZO1-KLF2 signaling”. The study reports a significant loss of Piezo1 ion channel expression in varicose veins due to altered venous flow conditions. Piezo1 depletion reduces KLF2 transcription factor, triggering the endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) program in venous endothelial cells. The study found that the activation of Piezo1 channels by agonist Yoda1 restores normal venous endothelial function and prevents EndMT. The Piezo1-KLF2 pathway is essential for endothelial function and can be hence utilized for identifying targeted therapeutic options in patients with chronic venous diseases.