Objective: To evaluate the function of Piezo1, an evolutionarily conserved mechanically activated channel, in periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue homeostasis under compressive loading. Materials and Methods: Primary human PDL cells (hPDLCs) were isolated, cultured, and then subjected to 2.0 g/cm 2 static compressive loading for 0.5, 3, 6, and 12 hours, respectively. The expressions of Piezo1 and osteoclastogenesis marker gene were assessed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In addition, Piezo1 inhibitor, GsMTx4, was used to block the function of Piezo1, and tumor necrosis factor-a was also used as a positive control. After 12 hours of compressive loading the PDLCs were co-cultured with murine monocytic cell line RAW264.7. Immunofluorescence, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining were also used to test the potency of PDLCs to induce osteoclastogenesis and the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kB. Results: Piezo1, cyclooxygenase-2, receptor activator of NF-kB ligand, and prostaglandin E2 were significantly upregulated under static compressive stimuli. GsMTx4 repressed osteoclastogenesis in the mechanical stress-pretreated PDLCs-RAW264.7 co-culture system. Furthermore, NF-kB signaling pathway was involved in the mechanical stress-induced osteoclastogenesis. Conclusions: Piezo1 exerts a transduction role in mechanical stress-induced osteoclastogenesis in hPDLCs. (Angle Orthod. 2015;85:87-94.)