This is an extracellular domain at the C-terminus of Piezo, or FAM38 mechanosensitive non-specific cation channel proteins [1,2]. Piezo is a family of proteins that form mechanosensitive non-specific cation channels whose conductance is higher for Li ...
This is an extracellular domain at the C-terminus of Piezo, or FAM38 mechanosensitive non-specific cation channel proteins [1,2]. Piezo is a family of proteins that form mechanosensitive non-specific cation channels whose conductance is higher for Li+, intermediate for Na+ and lowest for Li+. Divalent ions except for Mn2+ permeate the channel but more slowly than monovalent ions and can reduce K+ currents [1-4]. These channels have a homotrimeric three-blade propeller-shaped structure that use a cap-motion and plug-and-latch mechanism to gate their ion-conducting pathways [2-4]. Each protomer consists of 38 TM helices that form unusual non-planar blades, and an extracellular cap-like structure, the latter represented in this entry [2-4,6]. This domain is embedded in the centre of the trimer and may control the transmembrane constriction site suggested to act as a transmembrane gate [6]. This domain adopts a distinctive beta-sandwich fold [2-6].
