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 lungs. It plays a crucial role in vascular development, regulation of blood pressure, and control of cell volume. Variants of the PIEZO1 gene are linked with hereditary xerocytosis — a condition characterized by dehydrated red blood cells — and other disorders affecting mechanosensation.