Human TMC1 and TMC2 are mechanically gated ion channels

Mechanical gating of mammalian transmembrane channel-like proteins 1 and 2 (TMC1 and TMC2) in hair cells is still controversial.

The researchers show that point mutations in TMC1/2 are localized in plasma membrane and respond to mechanical stimuli.

They also demonstrate that deafness-related TMC1 mutations altered the reversal potential of TMC1, indicating that TMC1/2 are pore-forming mechanotransduction channels.

Thus, thus authors provide evidence that human TMC1/2 are pore-forming, mechanically activated ion channels, supporting their roles as mechanotransduction channels in hair cells.

https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(24)00834-1

https://sciencemission.com/Human-TMC1-and-TMC2-are-mechanically-gated-ion-channels