XFEL structures of the influenza M2 proton channel: Room temperature water networks and insights into proton conduction.

ABSTRACT: The M2 proton channel of influenza A is a drug target that is essential for the reproduction of the flu virus. It is also a model system for the study of selective, unidirectional proton transport across a membrane. Ordered water molecules arranged in "wires" inside the channel pore have been proposed to play a role in both the conduction of protons to the four gating His37 residues and the stabilization of multiple positive charges within the channel. To visualize the solvent in the pore of the channel at room temperature while minimizing the effects of radiation damage, data were collected to a resolution of 1.4 Å using an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) at three different pH conditions: pH 5.5, pH 6.5, and pH 8.0. Data were collected on the Inward_open state, which is an inte

SUBMITTER: Thomaston JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5754760 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature