Single-cell multiomics uncovers an endothelial mechanosensitive PIEZO1-IL-33 axis driving pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract

Pulmonary fibrosis represents a progressive interstitial lung disease marked by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and architectural distortion. Vascular endothelial cells critically contribute to fibrogenesis through paracrine secretion of pro-fibrotic mediators, yet their mechanobiological regulation remains elusive. Using integrated single-cell multi-omics profiling of human pulmonary fibrosis specimens and experimental fibrosis models induced by bleomycin or silica, we identify mechanosensitive Piezo1 upregulation in Endothelial cells as a hallmark of fibrotic progression. Endothelial-specific Piezo1 knockout significantly attenuates Bleomycin-induced fibrotic remodeling in male mice, establishing its pathogenic necessity. Mechanistically, PIEZO1 activation promotes pulmonary fibrosis development via CAPN2-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation, which may regulate the secretion of the pro-fibrotic molecule interleukin-33. These findings suggest that the endothelial PIEZO1-CAPN2-STAT3-IL33 axis is a potential therapeutic target for PF intervention.