Abstract
Mechanosensitive channels are ion channels activated by membrane tension. We investigate the influence of the spatial distribution of bacterial mechanosensitive channels on activation (gating). Based on elastic short-range interactions we map this physical process onto an Ising-like model, which enables us to predict the clustering of channels and the effects of clustering on their gating. We conclude that the aggregation of channels and the consequent interactions among them leads to a global cooperative gating behavior with potentially dramatic consequences for the cell.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 020901(R) |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear and Soft Matter Physics |
Volume | 83 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Keywords
- bacteria
- proteins
- model