Emerging Concepts in Ion Channel Biophysics

Emerging Concepts in Ion Channel Biophysics

Poster Abstracts

72-POS Board 72 Probing the Mechanosensitive Domains of Piezo Ion Channels with Magnetic Force

Jason Wu , Jorg Grandl. Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.

Piezo ion channels are excitatory mechanically activated channels that mediate our sense of touch as well as a number of other roles in pressure sensing organs throughout the body. However, the precise mechanisms and structures mediating the processes of mechanical activation and subsequent inactivation are still unclear. To address these questions, we use magnetic nanoparticles as localized force transducers that allow for remote mechanical stimulation of different domains within Piezo1. In combination with pressure-clamp electrophysiology, we use magnetic pulling forces to identify distinct domains that affect channel activation and inactivation. Revealing these domains supports our future mechanistic studies for understanding Piezo function.

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