Biophysical Sequence Analysis of Functional Differences of Piezo1 and Piezo2

Abstract

Because of their large size and widespread mechanosensitive interactions the only recently discovered titled transmembrane proteins have attracted much attention. Here we present and discuss their hydropathic profiles using a new method of sequence analysis. We find large-scale similarities and differences not obtainable by conventional sequence or structural studies. These differences support the evolution-towards-criticality conjecture popular among physicists. In this case the elastic properties are critical.