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A mechanosensitive ion channel in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
Author(s) -
Zhou X.L.,
Kung C.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1992.tb05355.x
Subject(s) - mechanosensitive channels , schizosaccharomyces pombe , ion channel , biology , schizosaccharomyces , biophysics , genetics , yeast , receptor , saccharomyces cerevisiae
Protoplast protuberances (blebs) of Schizosaccharomyces pombe were examined using the patch‐clamp technique. In addition to several voltage‐gated ion channels, we encountered the activities of a mechanosensitive ion channel with a conductance of 180 pS. Microscopic currents of one or two units were observed in some excised patches and ensemble currents of several tens of units were observed in all blebs examined in whole‐bleb configuration. This channel opens at pressures of cm Hg applied to whole blebs and it passes cations, including Ca2+. It is inactivated by membrane depolarizations and blocked by Gd3+. We discuss the possible functions of such a channel, including its activation upon cell cycle dependent cytoskeletal reorganizations.