Indeed, the endothelial-specific deletion of Piezo1 or Gαq/Gα11 in mice reduced integrin activation, inflammatory signaling, and progression of atherosclerosis in atheroprone areas.158 Intriguingly, a mechanosensitive complex consisting of VE-cadherin, PTPRF, Notch and the Rac GEF Trio has been identified in AJs in HUVECs and human dermal microvascular ECs, and promotes local Rac activation and barrier function in response to flow159,160 (Figure 6). This evidence concerns the gene AKT1 and atherosclerosis.