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 voltage-gated and ligand-gated channel proteins. We are modeling hypothesized pore-forming structures of sodium channels, potassium channels and acetylcholine receptors. We succeeded in designing a calcium channel protein according to our model. Accordingly, a protein was synthesized by solid-phase methods. The synthetic channel protein forms channels in lipid bilayers that emulate the pore properties of the authentic channel. The key role of specific residues in determining the activity of these channel proteins is currently being assessed. These studies are guided by the results on computer mutations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 23, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA231655
Entities
People
- Mauricio Montal
Organizations
- University of California, San Diego