Functional similarities between heterogeneously and homogenously expressed MscL constructs

Eur Biophys J. 2015 Oct;44(7):589-98. doi: 10.1007/s00249-015-1062-5. Epub 2015 Aug 2.

Abstract

The mechanosensitive channel of large conductance MscL is a well-characterized mechanically gated non-selective ion channel, which often serves as a prototype mechanosensitive channel for mechanotransduction studies. However, there are some discrepancies between MscL constructs used in these studies, most notably unintended heterogeneous expression from some MscL expression constructs. In this study we investigate the possible cause of this expression pattern, and compare the original non-homogenously expressing constructs with our new homogeneously expressing one to confirm that there is little functional difference between them. In addition, a new MscL construct has been developed with an improved molar extinction coefficient at 280 nm, enabling more accurate protein quantification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Codon
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / genetics
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / metabolism*
  • Ion Channels / chemistry
  • Ion Channels / genetics
  • Ion Channels / metabolism*
  • Liposomes / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary

Substances

  • Codon
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Ion Channels
  • Liposomes
  • MscL protein, E coli