Work

Generation and Evaluation of a Large Mutational Library from the Escherichia coli Mechanosensitive Channel of Large Conductance, MscL

Year: 2003

Type: article

Abstract: Random mutagenesis of the mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) from Escherichia coli coupled with a high-throughput functional screen has provided new insights into channel structure and function. Complementary interactions of conserved residues proposed in a computational model for gating have been evaluated, and important functional regions of the channel have been identified. Mutational analysis shows that the proposed S1 helix, despite having several highly conserved residues, can be heavily mutated without significantly altering channel function. The pattern of mutations that make MscL more difficult to gate suggests that MscL senses tension with residues located near the lipid headgroups of the bilayer. The range of phenotypical changes seen has implications for a proposed model for the evolutionary origin of mechanosensitive channels.

Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m302892200

Authors: Joshua A. Maurer, Dennis A. Dougherty

Institution: California Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Ion channel regulation and function

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,430

Funders: University of Aberdeen, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences