PIEZO1 (Piezo Type Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Component 1): PIEZO1 is a mechanically activated ion channel that senses physical forces such as pressure and stretch in tissues like blood vessels and the lungs. It plays a crucial role in vascular development, blood pressure regulation, and cell volume control. Variants of the PIEZO1 gene are linked to hereditary xerocytosis—a disorder characterized by dehydrated red blood cells—and other conditions that impact mechanosensation.