Pressure-sensitive ion channel in Escherichia coli

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1987 Apr;84(8):2297-301. doi: 10.1073/pnas.84.8.2297.

Abstract

We have used the patch-clamp electrical recording technique on giant spheroplasts of Escherichia coli and have discovered pressure-activated ion channels. The channels have the following properties: activation by slight positive or negative pressure; voltage dependence; large conductance; selectivity for anions over cations; dependence of activity on the species of permeant ions. We believe that these channels may be involved in bacterial osmoregulation and osmotaxis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electric Conductivity
  • Escherichia coli / physiology*
  • Ion Channels / physiology*
  • Kinetics
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Pressure
  • Spheroplasts / physiology

Substances

  • Ion Channels