Samenvatting
Mechano-sensitive channels are ubiquitous membrane proteins that activate in response to increasing tension in the lipid membrane. They facilitate a sudden, nonselective release of solutes and water that safeguards the integrity of the cell in hypo-or hyper-osmotic shock conditions. We have simulated the rapid release of content from a pressurized liposome through a particular mechano-sensitive protein channel, MscL, embedded in the liposomal membrane. We show that a single channel is able to relax the liposome, stressed to the point of bursting, in a matter of microseconds. We map the full activation-deactivation cycle of MscL in near-atomic detail and are able to quantify the rapid decrease in liposomal stress as a result of channel activation. This provides a computational tool that opens the way to contribute to the rational design of functional nano-containers.
Originele taal-2 | English |
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Pagina's (van-tot) | 19856-19860 |
Aantal pagina's | 5 |
Tijdschrift | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 107 |
Nummer van het tijdschrift | 46 |
DOI's | |
Status | Published - 16-nov.-2010 |