Prokaryotic mechanosensitive channels mediate copper influx.

ABSTRACT: Copper is an essential micronutrient in all kingdoms of life, requiring a meticulous balance between acquisition and toxic overload. While copper import in eukaryotes has been investigated extensively, few prokaryotic copper importers have been identified, leading to the notion that cytoplasmic copper uptake is unnecessary in prokaryotes. Here we report that mechanosensitive channels are key players in prokaryotic copper import. Deletion of the gene encoding the Escherichia coli small mechanosensitive channel, _EcMscS, leads to significantly reduced copper influx. Conversely, overexpression of _EcMscS leads to increased copper influx, elevated intracellular copper content, and renders cells hypersensitive to copper. Furthermore, specific channel blockers and competing p

SUBMITTER: Ghnamah Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12198049 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature