A chemical activator of the mechanosensitive Piezo1 ion channel has been identified.

Mechanosensitive channels Piezo1/2 are required for osteoblast differentiation from progenitors by sensing fluid sheer stress and matrix rigidity and regulating NFATc1, YAP1 and ß-catenin activities through Ca²⁺ stimulated phosphatase calcineurin.

Mechanosensitive Piezo channel induces local membrane curvature to mediate mechanical gating.

A functionally conserved inactivation gate in the inner helix of Piezo channels controls the majority of the inactivation process via a hydrophobic mechanism.

Super-resolution microscopy and single particle tracking analysis of Piezo1 in red blood cells demonstrate its ability to sense membrane curvature, consistent with a force-through-membrane mechanism of channel mechanosensation in these cells.

Membrane mechanics predict that the ion channel Piezo recruits the surrounding membrane to amplify its sensitivity to changes in membrane tension, with greatest sensitivity in the low-tension regime.

Mechanically activated Piezo1 ion channels, at physiologically relevant densities, behave as independent mechanotransducers, which we propose is essential for homogenous transduction of forces across the entire cell membrane.

Piezo1 ion channels are not modulated by RNA ligands, contrary to previous findings.

Mechanical stimuli activate Piezo1 in osteoblast lineage cells and thereby promote bone formation in part via Wnt1.