Review

Nature Reviews Microbiology 5, 431-440 (June 2007) | doi:10.1038/nrmicro1659

Mechanosensitive channels in bacteria: signs of closure?

Ian R. Booth1, Michelle D. Edwards1, Susan Black1, Ulrike Schumann1 & Samantha Miller1  About the authors

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Bacterial mechanosensitive channels are activated by increases in tension in the lipid bilayer of the cytoplasmic membrane, where they transiently create large pores in a controlled manner. Mechanosensitive channel research has benefited from advances in electrophysiology, genomics and molecular genetics as well as from the application of biophysical techniques. Most recently, new analytical methods have been used to complement existing knowledge and generate insights into the molecular interactions that take place between mechanosensitive channel proteins and the surrounding membrane lipids. This article reviews the latest developments.

Author affiliations

  1. School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.

Correspondence to: Ian R. Booth1 Email: i.r.booth@abdn.ac.uk

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