Anthrax Biosensor, Protective Antigen Ion Channel Asymmetric Blockade

Abstract

Bacillus anthracis secretes three proteins (protective antigen, PA; lethal factor, LF; and edema factor, EF) that are the basis for anthrax infection. We present electrophysiological measurements that demonstrate the effect of full-length LF and EF on ion channels formed by the proteolytically activated species of PA (PA63) in planar lipid bilayer membranes. LF and EF convert the heptameric PA63 channel current-voltage relationship from slightly nonlinear to one that is highly rectifying and diode-like at pH 6.6. This striking effect provides an innovative method for characterizing functional toxin interactions and can be applied as an anthrax therapeutic biosensor.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 07, 2005
Accession Number
ADA440215

Entities

People

  • John J. Kasianowicz
  • Kelly M. Halverson
  • Martin Misakian
  • Rekha G. Panchal
  • Rick Gussio
  • Sina Bavari
  • Stephen F. Little
  • Tam L. Nguyen

Organizations

  • United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biosensors
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Electric Fields
  • Infection
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Ionic Current
  • Measurement
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Membranes
  • Molecules
  • Rodents
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • Therapy

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Microbial Pathology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Semiconductor Device Technology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology