Abstract P221: Yoda2, a Novel Piezo1 Agonist, Induces Relaxation in Mouse Vascular and Corpus Cavernosum Tissues

Abstract

Introduction: Piezo1, a mechanosensitive nonselective cation channel, is expressed in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. It plays a critical role in sensing endothelial shear stress, generating nitric oxide (NO), regulating vascular tone, promoting angiogenesis, and controlling blood pressure. Yoda1, a tool compound for Piezo1, has limitations due to its low potency and poor water solubility. To overcome these limitations, a Yoda1 analogue, Yoda2, was developed. Yoda2 features a 4-benzoic acid moiety replacing the pyrazine of Yoda1, thereby enhancing its agonist properties and solubility. We hypothesize that Yoda2 induces relaxation in mouse mesenteric resistance artery (MRA), pudendal artery (PA), and corpus cavernosum (CC), through a NO-dependent mechanism. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were euthanized, and their MRA, PA, and CC were isolated and mounted in DMT wire myographs for isometric force measurements. Concentration-response curves to Yoda2 were obtained. Additionally, the contraction of CC induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) was evaluated in the absence or presence of Yoda2. Data are presented as mean ± S.E.M of 3-4 mice. Non-linear regression curve was performed, and the maximum response (E max ) and pharmacological potency (pEC 50 ) were analyzed using Student's t-test (p<0.05). Results: Yoda2 induced concentration-dependent relaxation in the MRA, PA, and CC, with E max values of 98.31 ± 0.89% for MRA, 95.01 ± 3.75% for PA, and 75.03 ± 15.17% for CC. The role of NO in this pathway was confirmed by the attenuation of Yoda2 effects upon inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) with L-NAME in MRA and PA. Furthermore, Yoda2 (1 µM) decreased the concentration response curves for phenylephrine-induced contraction in PA and MRA. On the other hand, Yoda2 (30 µM) did not change the EFS-induced contraction in CC. Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate that Yoda2, a potent and water-soluble Piezo1 channel agonist, induces significant relaxation in the MRA, PA, and CC of mice. Consistent with the effects of Yoda1, the effects of Yoda2 are mediated through NO production.