Piezo1 mediates the degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix in malocclusion‐induced TMJOA

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the role of Piezo1 in the malocclusion‐induced osteoarthritic cartilage of the temporomandibular joint. Methods A temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis model was established using a unilateral anterior crossbite in vivo, and cartilage degeneration and Piezo1 expression were observed by histological and immunohistochemical staining. ATDC5 cells were loaded with 24 dyn/cm 2 fluid flow shear stress using the Flexcell device in vitro and expression and function of Piezo1 were evaluated. After identifying the function of Piezo1 in YAP translocation under FFSS conditions, the influence of Piezo1 and YAP on metabolism‐related enzymes under FFSS was detected through a real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis and western blotting. A UAC‐TMJ injection model was established to observe the therapeutic effect of intra‐articular injection of a Piezo1 inhibitor on osteoarthritic cartilage matrix loss. Results Piezo1 was overexpressed in the osteoarthritic cartilage and cultured chondrocytes under shear stress. Piezo1 Silencing inhibited the nuclear translocation of YAP and subsequently downregulated the expression of MMP13 and ADAMTS5. Intra‐articular injection of the Piezo1 inhibitor, GsMTx4, could ameliorate proteoglycan degradation in malocclusion‐induced TMJOA and suppressed MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expression. Conclusions Our results revealed that the activation of Piezo1 promotes mechanical‐induced cartilage degradation through the YAP‐MMP13/ADAMTS5 signaling pathway.