Direct observation of the conformational states of PIEZO1.

ABSTRACT: PIEZOs are mechanosensitive ion channels that convert force into chemoelectric signals^1,2 and have essential roles in diverse physiological settings³. In vitro studies have proposed that PIEZO channels transduce mechanical force through the deformation of extensive blades of transmembrane domains emanating from a central ion-conducting pore^4-8. However, little is known about how these channels interact with their native environment and which molecular movements underlie activation. Here we directly observe the conformational dynamics of the blades of individual PIEZO1 molecules in a cell using nanoscopic fluorescence imaging. Compared with previous structural models of PIEZO1, we show that the blades are significantly expanded at rest by the bending stress

SUBMITTER: Mulhall EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10468401 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature