A lipid dependence in the formation of twin ion channels

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Mar 4;328(1):342-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.12.170.

Abstract

A gramicidin A derivative with a polyether linkage between both ethanolamine termini was synthesized and its ion channel properties were studied. The compound showed a duplication in the state of conductance for alkali cations in thick DOPC bilayer membranes, which is interpreted as the occurrence of twin-channels. In thinner DMPC membranes mono-channels were dominant. The influence of hydrophobic coupling on the mono channel/twin channel equilibrium is discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dimerization
  • Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine / chemistry*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Gramicidin / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Ion Channel Gating*
  • Ion Channels / chemistry*
  • Membrane Fluidity
  • Membrane Lipids / chemistry*
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Models, Chemical
  • Models, Molecular
  • Phosphatidylcholines / chemistry*
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Ion Channels
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Gramicidin
  • 1,2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine
  • Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine