I am excited that our new paper is online! In this new work, we uncovers a surprising role of mechanosensor PIEZO1 in regulating iron metabolism in mice and humans. https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(21)00067-2. 1/7

Patients with hereditary xerocytosis, a rare disorder associated with overactive PIEZO1 mutations, are characterized with red blood cell dehydration, and develop iron overload through unknown mechanisms. 2/7

In mouse models, we found that GOF PIEZO1 expression in macrophages, but not red blood cells, causes excessive iron in tissues and serum. Further, we showed that GOF PIEZO1 contributes to iron overload by increasing macrophage phagocytosis and RBC turnover in vivo. 3/7

Thus, our study functionally links macrophage mechanotransduction, phagocytosis and iron metabolism. 4/7

Remarkably, in a cohort of >300 African American individuals, we found that E756del, a common but mild GOF PIEZO1 variant (present in 1/3 people of African descent!) is associated with elevated serum iron levels. population. 5/7

This new genetic factor may be important for understanding iron overload in African American. 6/7

Most important in this thread: huge thanks to my PI Ardem Patapoutian @ardemp for his unwavering support, as well as Patapoutian lab members including all co-authors on this paper. You are all indispensable! @Yunxiao_PhD, @MousaviSAR, @yuwang_15, @AdamMCoombs, @latrommimai367. 7/7