Molecular force sensing mechanisms of PIEZO channels

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The aim of this project is to characterise the gating mechanism of Piezo mechanosensitive ion channels recently identified in animals and humans. Mechanotransduction is ancient, as indicated by the presence of mechanosensitive channels in bacteria where these channels are activated by the bilayer mechanism according to the force-from-lipids paradigm possibly applicable to gating of the Piezo channels as well. Piezo channels play a crucial role in senses of touch and pain, and mutations in Piezo1 have been shown to cause Xerocytosis – a hereditary genetic disorder manifested in haemolytic anemia. This project aims to help answer fundamental questions in mechanotransduction in vertebrates.