The mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel: a three-bladed propeller-like structure and a lever-like mechanogating mechanism.

The mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel: a three-bladed propeller-like structure and a lever-like mechanogating mechanism.

FEBS J. 2018 Nov 30;:

Authors: Zhao Q, Zhou H, Li X, Xiao B

Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved Piezo proteins, including Piezo1 and Piezo2, constitute a bona fide class of mechanosensitive (MS) cation channels, which play critical roles in various mammalian physiologies, including sensation of touch, proprioception and regulation of vascular development and blood pressure. Furthermore, mutations in Piezos have been linked to various human genetic diseases, validating their potential as therapeutic targets. Thus, it is pivotal to understand how Piezo channels effectively convert mechanical force into selective cation permeation, and therefore precisely control the various mechanotransduction processes. On the basis of our recently determined cryo-electron microscopy structures of the full-length 2547-residue mouse Piezo1, structure-guided mutagenesis and electrophysiological and pharmacological characterizations, here we focus on reviewing the key structural features and functional components that enable Piezo1 to employ a lever-like mechanogating mechanism to function as a sophisticated mechanotransduction channel. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 30500111 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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