Trpv4 channels mediate the mechanotransduction-driven differentiation of valvular interstitial cells, highlighting a potential therapeutic target to slow or reverse aortic valve stenosis progression.
Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) progression involves stiffened valve tissue, driving valvular interstitial cells (VICs) to transform into myofibroblasts. This study highlights the role of Trpv4 channels in VIC activation triggered by matrix stiffness and TGFß1. Using hydrogels mimicking healthy and diseased valves, researchers found that Trpv4 regulates cellular force generation and differentiation via PI3K-AKT activity. These findings identify Trpv4 as a potential therapeutic target to slow or reverse AVS progression.
Mukherjee et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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