Investigating the Structural Bases of Voltage-Gating Model Channels by Using Perfectly Aligned Multilayer Samples

Abstract

One dimensional quasi crystals of perfect multilayers, in which ion channels are uniformly oriented within parallel membranes, can be used to study the structural base of channel conductivities. We have developed 1) the techniques for preparing such multilayer samples and 2) the spectroscopic methods (circular dichroism and x-ray diffraction) for extracting structural information from these samples. The sample variables include electric field, water content, ion concentrations, etc. We have observed conformation changes of alamethicin with water content, a result in favor of the barrel model (rather than the flip-flop model) for the channel. Our goal is to probe the conformation changes of the channels as we vary the sample variables, in order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of voltage gating. Keywords: Alamethicin; Melittin; Gramicidin; Orientation Dependent Circular Dichroism; X-ray Diffraction; Neutron Scattering; Perfectly Aligned Multilayers.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 20, 1988
Accession Number
ADA199681

Entities

People

  • Huey W. Huang

Organizations

  • Rice University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Dichroism
  • Diffraction
  • Electric Fields
  • Measurement
  • Membranes
  • Military Research
  • Neutron Scattering
  • Optical Materials
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Radiation
  • Scattering
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • X Rays
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry
  • Physics

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Nanofabrication and Microfabrication.