Mechanosensitive channels, such as YbiO, play crucial roles in bacterial cell survival by acting as pressure safety valves. Recent research has highlighted their conductance capabilities and potential physiological roles.

YbiO, a member of the MscS-like family, has been shown to achieve a conductance of approximately 3 nS, with a pore opening equivalent to the largest gated pore, MscL. This capability suggests new physiological roles for YbiO and similar channels. The use of cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) has revealed multiple substates of YbiO, indicating complex functionality.

The discovery of YbiO's conductance and structural substates opens new avenues for understanding mechanosensitive channels. Further research into these channels could reveal additional physiological functions and potential applications in biotechnology.

References:

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214785321043820