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Membrane transport is the means by which small molecules and biopolymers permeate a cell membrane. Membranes are lipid bilayers exhibiting selective permeability, meaning that they are permeable to some substances and not to others. Membrane transport is mediated by membrane-transport proteins.
Skeletal ryanodine receptor controls calcium mobilization indispensable for muscle contraction. Here, authors combine cryo-EM and molecular dynamics to uncover the structural basis of the intricate regulation of this channel by calcium and magnesium.
Pentamidine and melarsoprol are drugs used to treat sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma brucei. Here, authors present cryo-EM structures of TbAQP2 with molecular dynamic simulations, revealing mechanisms shaping substrate specificity and drug permeation.
Using computer simulations authors identify the dynamic molecular motions controlling the structural conformation of the TWIK1 ion channel, showing that its ability to transport sodium upon acidification result from the evolution of the classical potassium-selective pore.
A structural, biochemical and metabolomic analysis reveals the mechanistic basis for transport of extracellular choline and ethanolamine into cells by the human transport protein FLVCR1.
KdpD is known as the sensory histidine kinase of two-component system KdpDE that controls the transcription of the kdpFABC genes. Here, the authors show that KdpD acts as atypical serine kinase, which post-translationally regulates KdpFABC.
Light-driven sodium-pumping rhodopsins are unique ion transporters. Here, authors present a characterization of such rhodopsins with a modified active center allowing for efficient sodium transport under various environmental conditions.
In this work, Morgenstern and colleagues describe an approach involving functionalized nanobodies which decrease the activity of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels associated with β1 subunits and promote their removal from the surface membrane of neurons and muscle.
Using organic solvent shortens formation time of membrane nanosheets comprising proteins and copolymers, while tuning protein structure tailors the pore geometry, resulting in superior water permeation.
Cellular organelles extensively communicate with each other by close interactions, known as membrane contact sites. Schuldiner and Bohnert comment on the progress of this rapidly developing field, highlighting that the complexity of interactions at membrane contact sites is only now starting to emerge.
Surface topography and fluid flow combine to modify quorum sensing communication in bacterial biofilms, changing the way we think about the interaction of biofilms with external physical forces and the implications for persistence in chronic infections and industrial fouling.