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Bilayer-Mediated Clustering and Functional Interaction of MscL Channels

This work reveals that mechanosensitive channels of large conductance (MscL) exhibit a tendency to cluster, and demonstrates the functional relevance of clustering. The study used patch-clamp electrophysiology, fluorescence and atomic force microscopy, macromolecular deuteration, neutron scattering and reflection techniques, as well as mathematical modelling of the mechanics of a membrane crowded with proteins. Collectively, these results suggest that MscL self assembly into channel clusters plays an osmoregulatory functional role in the membrane. The work involved extensive collaboration with international institutions including the Universities of Oxford, Queensland and Stanford University, and was funded by an EPSRC grant (EP/C015452/1).