The structure of an open form of an E. coli mechanosensitive channel at 3.45 Å resolution

Wen-Jian Wang, Susan S. Black, Michelle D. Edwards, Samantha Miller, Emma L. Morrison, Wendy Bartlett, Changjiang Dong, Jim Naismith, Ian R. Booth

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

How ion channels are gated to regulate ion flux in and out of cells is the subject of intense interest. The Escherichia coli mechanosensitive channel, MscS, opens to allow rapid ion efflux, relieving the turgor pressure that would otherwise destroy the cell. We present a 3.45 angstrom-resolution structure for the MscS channel in an open conformation. This structure has a pore diameter of similar to 13 angstroms created by substantial rotational rearrangement of the three transmembrane helices. The structure suggests a molecular mechanism that underlies MscS gating and its decay of conductivity during prolonged activation. Support for this mechanism is provided by single-channel analysis of mutants with altered gating characteristics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1179-1183
Number of pages5
JournalScience
Volume321
Issue number5893
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Aug 2008

Keywords

  • GATED POTASSIUM CHANNEL
  • ACETYLCHOLINE-RECEPTOR
  • CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE
  • ION-CHANNEL
  • K+ CHANNEL
  • PROTEIN STABILITY
  • MSCS
  • PORE
  • MECHANISM
  • COOPERATIVITY

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