9uoy
Structure of C. elegans piezo channel
Structural highlights
FunctionPIEZ1_CAEEL Pore-forming subunit of a mechanosensitive non-specific cation channel (By similarity). Generates currents characterized by a linear current-voltage relationship (By similarity). Plays a role in reproduction by positively regulating inter-tissue signaling to promote oocyte maturation, ovulation and fertilization, and sperm navigation from and to the spermatheca (PubMed:32490809). May play a role in regulating cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum calcium ion release (PubMed:32490809).[UniProtKB:Q92508][1] Publication Abstract from PubMedPIEZO channels are mechanosensitive ion channels essential for various physiological processes. How activation of PIEZO channels is regulated for distinct mechanical environments remains largely unclear. Here, we use patch-clamp electrophysiology to record pressure-activated currents of natural splicing isoforms of Caenorhabditis elegans PIEZO channels that differ in sequence length. These isoforms are sensitive in different tension regimes, consistent with the quantitative prediction from the membrane dome mechanism, based on structural measurement from cryo-electron microscopy data. Furthermore, these isoforms show different localization in the worm body and are involved in different physiological functions. Therefore, inspired by the membrane dome mechanism, a distinct regulatory strategy is found for PIEZO channels to tune the mechanosensitivity by adjusting the dome area via alternative splicing to adapt to the physiological environment. Membrane dome-based regulation mechanism of the mechanosensitive PIEZO channel.,Liu Y, Liu B, Zhan W, Zhang L, Shi A, Lin L, Jiang M, Guo YR Cell Rep. 2025 Nov 25;44(12):116651. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116651. PMID:41296570[2] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. References
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