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Article
Intramembrane Congestion Effects on Lysenin Channel Voltage-Induced Gating
European Biophysics Journal
  • Eric Krueger, Boise State University
  • Sheenah Bryant, Boise State University
  • Nisha Shrestha, Boise State University
  • Tyler Clark, Boise State University
  • Charles Hanna, Boise State University
  • David Pink, St. Francis Xavier University
  • Daniel Fologea, Boise State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2016
Disciplines
Abstract

All cell membranes are packed with proteins. The ability to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of protein channels in experimental conditions mimicking their congested native environment is crucial for understanding the environmental physicochemical cues that may fundamentally contribute to their functionality in natural membranes. Here we report on investigations of the voltage-induced gating of lysenin channels in congested conditions experimentally achieved by increasing the number of channels inserted into planar lipid membranes. Typical electrophysiology measurements reveal congestion-induced changes to the voltage-induced gating, manifested as a significant reduction of the response to external voltage stimuli. Furthermore, we demonstrate a similar diminished voltage sensitivity for smaller populations of channels by reducing the amount of sphingomyelin in the membrane. Given lysenin’s preference for targeting lipid rafts, this result indicates the potential role of the heterogeneous organization of the membrane in modulating channel functionality. Our work indicates that local congestion within membranes may alter the energy landscape and the kinetics of conformational changes of lysenin channels in response to voltage stimuli. This level of understanding may be extended to better characterize the role of the specific membrane environment in modulating the biological functionality of protein channels in health and disease.

Copyright Statement

This is an author-produced, peer-reviewed version of this article. The final definitive version of this document can be found online at European Biophysics Journal, published by Springer. Copyright restrictions may apply. The final publication is available at doi: 10.1007/s00249-015-1104-z

Citation Information
Eric Krueger, Sheenah Bryant, Nisha Shrestha, Tyler Clark, et al.. "Intramembrane Congestion Effects on Lysenin Channel Voltage-Induced Gating" European Biophysics Journal (2016)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/daniel_fologea/14/