Dimerization mechanism of an inverted-topology ion channel in membranes.

Autor: Ernst M, Orabi EA, Stockbridge RB, Faraldo-Gómez JD, Robertson JL
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: BioRxiv : the preprint server for biology [bioRxiv] 2023 Jan 28. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Jan 28.
DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.27.525942
Abstrakt: Many ion channels are multi-subunit complexes with a polar permeation pathway at the oligomeric interface, but their mechanisms of assembly into functional, thermodynamically stable units within the membrane are largely unknown. Here we characterize the assembly of the inverted-topology, homodimeric fluoride channel Fluc, leveraging a known mutation, N43S, that weakens Na + binding to the dimer interface, thereby unlocking the complex. While single-channel recordings show Na + is required for activation, single-molecule photobleaching and bulk Förster Resonance Energy Transfer experiments in lipid bilayers demonstrate that N43S Fluc monomers and dimers exist in dynamic equilibrium, even without Na + . Molecular dynamics simulations indicate this equilibrium is dominated by a differential in the lipid-solvation energetics of monomer and dimer, which stems from hydrophobic exposure of the polar ion pathway in the monomer. These results suggest a model wherein membrane-associated forces induce channel assembly while subsequent factors, in this case Na + binding, result in channel activation.
Teaser: Membrane morphology energetics foster inverted-topology Fluc channels to form dimers, which then become active upon Na + binding.
Databáze: MEDLINE