Piezo1 Ion Channels Regulate the Formation and Spreading of Human Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids

Mesenchymal stem cells obtained from desquamated endometrium (eMSCs) are considered as reliable and promising objects for stem cell-based therapy. eMSCs aggregated into three-dimensional (3D) spheroids demonstrate greater efficiency compared to monolayer 2D eMSCs. However, molecular processes and specific mechanisms regulating the effectiveness of spheroids remain unknown. Regulation of a number of physiological reactions in MSCs is associated with the functioning of Ca2+-permeable mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels. In our previous study, we showed that selective Piezo1 activation by its selective agonist Yoda1 controls the migratory activity of 2D eMSCs. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of Yoda1 on eMSC spheroid formation and spreading. PIEZO1 mRNA expression was lower in spheroids compared to 2D culture. Spheroids formed with Yoda1 or spread in the presence of Yoda1 demonstrated lower spreading rates compared to control (Yoda1-free) spheroids. The spreading rates of control spheroids depended on the substrate stiffness, whereas spheroids formed with Yoda1 had similar spreading rates regardless of the surface properties. Our results demonstrate several Piezo1-dependent reactions of eMSC spheroids that could be modulated by selective Piezo1 activation.