Direct visualization of native GSDMD pores reveals lipid-driven stabilization during pyroptosis.
Gasdermin D (GSDMD) executes pyroptosis by forming membrane pores, yet how these structures assemble and are regulated in cells has remained technically inaccessible. We introduce polymer-supported plasma membranes (PSPMs), which preserve native PM properties while providing cytosolic access for nanoscopic imaging. Combining PSPMs with DNA-PAINT super-resolution microscopy, we visualize human and mouse GSDMD nanostructures directly at the PM of pyroptotic cells and uncover species-specific differences in pore size. Quantitative analyses reveal that GSDMD assembles into heterogeneous macromolecular architectures, including ring-shaped structures, which correlate with PM permeabilization. The palmitoylation-deficient C191A mutant retains minor membrane association but fails to form complete rings, indicating that ring assembly, more than membrane binding, determines pore activity. Last, we identify PI(3,4,5)P3 as a key regulator of pore stabilization. Its early increase during pyroptosis promotes growth of large rings, and mutations in PI(3,4,5)P3-interacting residues undermine assembly. These findings define the native architecture of GSDMD pores and reveal lipid-dependent stabilization as a central mechanism regulating pyroptotic membrane permeabilization.
Authors
Kappelhoff Kappelhoff, Holtmannspötter Holtmannspötter, Schaefer Schaefer, Margheritis Margheritis, Asik Asik, Gehle Gehle, Veit Veit, Danial Danial, Franzkoch Franzkoch, Strauss Strauss, Alvelid Alvelid, Koerfer Koerfer, Eggeling Eggeling, Psathaki Psathaki, Jungmann Jungmann, Kurre Kurre, Hummer Hummer, Piehler Piehler, Cosentino Cosentino
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