Identification and Characterization of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae MscS-Like Mechanosensitive Channel.

ABSTRACT: Mechanosensitive channels are ubiquitous in bacteria and provide an essential mechanism to survive sudden exposure to a hypo-osmotic environment by the sensing and release of increased turgor pressure. No mechanosensitive channels have thus far been identified and characterized for the human-specific bacterial pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae In this study, we identified and characterized the N. gonorrhoeae MscS-like mechanosensitive channel (Ng-MscS). Electrophysiological analyses by the patch clamp method showed that Ng-MscS is stretch activated and contains pressure-dependent gating properties. Further mutagenesis studies of critical residues forming the hydrophobic vapor lock showed that gain-of-function mutations in Ng-MscS inhibited bacterial growth. Subsequent analysis o

SUBMITTER: Wang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5964504 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature