A Systematic Approach Towards Elucidation of the Mode of Action of a Bacterial Thermosensor

JOOST BALLERING; CYBULSKI LARISA; DE MENDOZA DIEGO; KILLIAN ANTOINETTE

Baltimore

Encuentro; 55th Annual Meeting Biophysical Society; 2011

Biophysical Society

DesK regulates membrane fluidity at different temperatures. Mostlikely it is this protein that causes different phase behavior of Bacillussubtilis membranes and is therefore crucial for maintaining viablemembrane properties of the bacillus.A specifically designed DesK-MS peptide was synthesized. CD andfluorescence measurements on this peptide indicate that DesK-MSsenses membrane fluidity through the thickness of the membrane byether piston movement or change in rotation or tilt angle of thetransmembrane helix. Dimerization could also be important.