The protein encoded by NCgl1221 in Corynebacterium glutamicum functions as a mechanosensitive channel

Abstract

The function of the NCgl1221-encoded protein of Corynebacterium glutamicum was analyzed using Bacillus subtilis as host because a method for preparing the giant provacuole required for electrophysiological studies has been established. Expression of NCgl1221 in a strain deficient in mscL and ykuT, both of which encode mechanosensitive channels, resulted in an 8.9-fold higher cell survival rate upon osmotic downshock than the control. Electrophysiological investigation showed that the giant provacuole prepared from this strain, expressing NCgl1221, exhibited significantly higher pressuredependent conductance than the control. These findings show that the NCgl1221-encoded protein functions as a mechanosensitive channel.