PIEZOs mediate neuronal sensing of blood pressure and the baroreceptor reflex

Heart rate and blood pressure control PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 are two mechanically activated ion channels that are highly expressed in lungs, bladder, and skin. Zeng et al. found that both ion channels are expressed in sensory neurons of a ganglion complex that contribute to the baroreflex, a homeostatic mechanism that helps to keep blood pressure stable (see the Perspective by Ehmke). Conditional double knockout of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in these neurons abolished the baroreflex and disrupted blood pressure regulation and heart rates in mice. These changes were very similar to those seen in patients with baroreflex failure. In mice, selective activation of PIEZO2-expressing ganglion neurons triggered immediate increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Science , this issue p. 464 ; see also p. 398