New method offers insights into tension-sensitivity of potassium channels

Ion channel activity varies according to the mechanical stresses acting on ion channels within the cell membrane, but directly measuring such changes within a complex cell membrane is difficult. Now, researchers at the University of Fukui have developed a simplified model system that allows experimenters to measure both membrane tension and the associated variability in ion channel activity. Their experiments have already yielded evidence for hysteresis in a potassium channel's responses to membrane tension.