In vitro stretch modulates mitochondrial dynamics and energy metabolism to induce smooth muscle differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract The smooth muscle cells (SMCs) located in the vascular media layer are continuously subjected to cyclic stretching perpendicular to the vessel wall and play a crucial role in vascular wall remodeling and blood pressure regulation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising tools to differentiate into SMCs. Mechanical stretch loading offers an opportunity to guide the MSC‐SMC differentiation and mechanical adaption for function regeneration of blood vessels. This study shows that cyclic stretch induces the expression of SMC markers α‐SMA and SM22 in MSCs. These cells exhibit contractile ability in vitro and facilitate angiogenesis in the Matrigel plug assay in vivo. The contraction of SMCs requires remodeling of their energy metabolism. However, the underlying mechanism in the differentiation of MSCs into SMCs remains to be revealed. Cyclic stretch training promotes glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial fusion and modulates mitochondrial dynamics‐related proteins (MFN1, MFN2, DRP1) expression, thereby contributing to MSCs differentiation. Yes‐associated protein (YAP) affects mitochondrial dynamics, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis to regulate stretch‐mediated differentiation into SMCs. Additionally, Piezo‐type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1) impacts energy metabolism and MSCs differentiation by regulating intracellular Ca 2+ levels and YAP nuclear localization. It indicates that YAP can integrate stretch force and energy metabolism signals to regulate the differentiation of MSCs into SMCs.