Publication Update: Lipid-mediated gating of a miniaturemechanosensitive MscS channel fromTrypanosoma cruzi

We are excited to share our latest publication of our group by Dr. Ashish Bhatt, uncovering the unique gating mechanism of a miniature mechanosensitive channel, TcMscS, from Trypanosoma cruzi—the parasite responsible for Chagas disease. Unlike its well-studied bacterial counterpart (E. coli MscS), TcMscS is structurally minimal yet retains full mechanosensitive activity, making it a powerful model for studying the core principles of mechanotransduction.

Using cryo-electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, electrophysiology, and mutagenesis, the team discovered that TcMscS induces drastic membrane deformation, creating a funnel-shaped lipid bilayer around the channel. Lipids residing within the pore act as a physical block, and their removal—triggered by membrane tension—is essential for ion conduction.

These findings not only reveal a direct lipid-mediated gating mechanism but also open new avenues for developing targeted therapies against Chagas disease by inhibiting TcMscS function.

Read the Full article Here. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62757-z