# Role of mechanotransducer Piezo1 in laryngeal and vocal fold epithelial function

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 2020 · $39,120

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
Voice disorders are among the most common communication disorders and are often associated with mucosa
inflammatory etiologies. Furthermore, laryngeal sensory disorders represent a significant clinical cohort that
present ubiquitous treatment challenges. Recent discovery of mechanosensitive ion channels, Piezo1 and
Piezo2, has proved essential to development and homeostasis for various tissue phenotypes that undergo
mechanical loading (e.g. lung, skin, cartilage, bladder, vasculature, heart). As molecular transducers of
mechanical force, Piezo proteins are activated by mechanical stretch stimuli exerted on cell membranes, upon
which they rapidly and efficiently convert stimuli into intracellular signaling events for biologic effect. Evidence
supports Piezo1 presence and function in epithelial cells, however, the role of Piezo1 in vocal fold (VF) – a
tissue type that undergoes extreme biomechanical challenges, is not known. In this application, a series of
experiments to determine the contribution of Piezo1 to vocal fold epithelium development and function is
proposed. We will employ two different in vivo strategies to delete/knockout (KO) Piezo1 using cell specific
carriers. Aim 1 will define Piezo1 regulation in vocal fold epithelium morphogenesis and structural barrier
protection mechanisms following widespread Piezo1 KO in VF mucosa. Aim 2 will determine Piezo1 function
localized to VF basal epithelial cells via Keratin 14 promoter to elucidate differentiation and self-renewal
strategies. Our overarching hypothesis is that Piezo1 is a critical mechanotransducer for VF epithelium;
essential for a matured, stratified tissue architecture with necessary barrier function. This innovative application
will provide vital knowledge for mechanism(s) that govern cell signaling pathways involved in mechanosensory
transduction processes in the developing and adult VF epithelium.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10064876
- **Project number:** 1F31DC018978-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **Principal Investigator:** Alexander G Foote
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $39,120
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10064876

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10064876, Role of mechanotransducer Piezo1 in laryngeal and vocal fold epithelial function (1F31DC018978-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10064876. Licensed CC0.

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