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Analytic models for mechanotransduction: gating a mechanosensitive channel

Paul Wiggins·Rob Phillips
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Abstract

Analytic estimates for the forces and free energy generated by bilayer deformation reveal a compelling and intuitive model for MscL channel gating analogous to the nucleation of a second phase. We argue that the competition between hydrophobic mismatch and tension results in a surprisingly rich story which can provide both a quantitative comparison to measurements of opening tension for MscL when reconstituted in bilayers of different thickness and qualitative insights into the function of the MscL channel and other transmembrane proteins.

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Paul Wiggins, Rob Phillips. 2003-11-10. Analytic models for mechanotransduction: gating a mechanosensitive channel. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0307804101

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