Piezo1 Identified as Exercise Sensor Linking Movement to Bone Strength

Scientists at the University of Hong Kong identify Piezo1 as an exercise-sensing protein in bone marrow stem cells that shifts fate toward bone-forming osteoblasts and away from fat cells; mice lacking Piezo1 show weaker bones and reduced exercise benefits, while activating its pathway could mimic exercise to combat osteoporosis—though findings are preclinical and demand cautious development for human therapies.