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Structural biology

A channel with a twist

Nature volume 461, pages 47–48 (2009)Cite this article

Mechanosensitive channels release tension in cell membranes by opening 'pressure relief' pores. The structure of a partially open channel suggests a gating mechanism and delivers an unexpected architectural twist.

In the constant struggle with their environment, free-living cells have evolved a variety of mechanisms to deal with sudden variations in the physicochemical properties of their surroundings1. But few environmental challenges require more assertive responses than a hypo-osmotic insult. Faced with a sudden decrease in osmotic pressure, as might be caused by a spring downpour, free-living cells are subjected to a rapid influx of water. This sharply increases the pressure of the cell contents against the membrane, potentially compromising the integrity of the cell.

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Figure 1: Opening of the MscL channel.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Valeria Vásquez is in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA.,

    Valeria Vásquez

  2. Eduardo Perozo is in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. eperozo@uchicago.edu,

    Eduardo Perozo

Authors
  1. Valeria Vásquez
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  2. Eduardo Perozo
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Vásquez, V., Perozo, E. A channel with a twist. Nature 461, 47–48 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/461047a

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