Fig. 2

Piezo1 expression and cell apoptosis both increased in CS-treated cells. Apoptosis of A549 A and HPMECs B assessed by flow cytometry to detect Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. C, D The relative apoptosis ratio was calculated using Annexin V-positive apoptotic cells (n = 3). E Quantitative analysis of Piezo1 mRNA expression by qPCR in CS-treated cells (n = 3). F Western blotting and quantitative analysis of Piezo1 protein levels in CS-treated cells (n = 3). Data are shown as the mean ± SEM. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01 versus the sham group. CS cyclic stretch, HPMEC human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell, FITC fluorescein isothiocyanate; qPCR quantitative real-time PCR