Molecular Mechanism of Voltage-Dependent Ion Channels
Abstract
The focus of this research is the interaction of a molecule at the lipid/water interface of a membrane with the external electric field, using peptaibols and the S4 segment of the sodium channel as model systems. Experiments are underway to assess the role of the molecular dipole in sensing the imposed molecular field; the role of alpha helix-310-helix transitions in responding to the imposed molecular field as the transduction mechanism; and the role of the channel mouth in determining the ion selectivity associated with channel opening. Ac-(Lys(alamethicin 1-17)4-NH2, tetramethicin, which was prepared by coupling several small fragments to tetraysine while attached to a solid support, showed an effective concentration dependence 2.7 times that of alamethicin. Other oligomeric pores are in preparation using aza-crown ether scaffolds. (JS)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 29, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA229777
Entities
People
- Garland R. Marshall
Organizations
- University of Washington