Channel Protein Engineering: A Novel Approach towards the Molecular Dissection Determinants in Ligand-Regulated Channels

Abstract

Our goal is to establish the molecular determinants that account for the pore properties of ligand-regulated channel properties. We are modeling hypothesized pore forming structures from acetylcholine receptors using semi- empirical potential energy functions. The M2(delta) segment of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica is a candidate for the channel lining structure. It forms ionic channels in human erythocyte membranes and in lipid bilayers. Furthermore, we designed and synthesized a tethered tetramer containing four M2(delta)-oligopeptides. The complete 101 residue protein forms channels in lipid bilayers with properties that resemble those of authentic cholinergic receptors. The general validity of this approach is currently being assessed. (JG)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 15, 1990
Accession Number
ADA219134

Entities

People

  • Mauricio Montal

Organizations

  • University of California, San Diego

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Engineering
  • Erythrocytes
  • Fish
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Military Research
  • Molecular Dynamics
  • New York
  • Peptides
  • Physics
  • Potential Energy
  • Protein Engineering
  • Proteins

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology