Studies of Model Ion Channels in Defect-Free Multibilayers of Phospholipids.
Abstract
Model ion channels such as gramicidin, melittin and alamethicin exhibit functional similarities to physiological channels, including voltage-gating, selectivities, activation and inactivation. Since the structural studies of physiological channels are extremely difficult, the structure-function relations revealed in model channels may provide valuable insights into the physical basis of biological sensory. A great deal of functional (electrical) properties of model channels is known, but with the exception of gramicidin (which is not a voltage-gated channel) little progress has been made in determining the structures of the channels in membrane. We have developed a technique of preparing defect-free lipid multibilayers with ion channels embedded in them, so that spectroscopic and scattering measurements of aligned ion channels in electric field can be made. CD studies of alamethicin channels showed the important orientation effect of -helical peptides on CD and conformation changes of the channel with sample conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 15, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188740
Entities
People
- Heuy W. Huang
Organizations
- Rice University