Magnetic contrast NR to resolve MscL opening under PXG challenge

In bacteria, mechanosensitive ion channels such as MscL protect cells against osmotic shock, but, as with all ion channels, they have the potential to act as an Achilles heel, by providing a target for antimicrobial treatments. It is thought that these ion channels work as pressure release valves and respond to an increase in membrane tension by opening. We will assemble planar tethered mimics of bacterial membranes using proteoliposomes prepared using cell-free expression of this ion channel. We will then challenge these membranes with an antimicrobial in an attempt to trigger the safety valves to open. The water that fills the pores and the changes in the protrusion of the ion channel out from the membrane when the open channels will change the neutron reflectivity of the layer, which we will measure in order to directly observe this triggering.