Figure 4.

Schematic diagram of the role of Piezo1 in AD. In AD, plaque deposited brain tissue has increased stiffness, increased expression of Piezo1 in astrocytes and microglia exposed to amyloid plaques, and increased inflammatory reactivity. Upregulation of Piezo1 in cerebral vascular endothelial cells induced by various mechanical factors damages the vascular endothelium, leading to increased blood-brain barrier permeability and more bacterial products entering the brain. Bacterial products such as LPS activate TLR4 to initiate microglial innate immune responses, and Piezo1 coordinates TLR4 signaling and induces Ca²⁺ inward flow, regulating cellular immune activity. Chronic inflammation and neuronal damage lead to cognitive impairment.