title: Cation transport by a redox-active synthetic ion channel.
abstract: The synthesis, cation binding and transmembrane conductive properties of a novel group of synthetic ion channels containing a redox-active centre are described. Experiments using a black lipid membrane preparation revealed that these compounds function effectively as ion channels. Subsequent 23Na NMR spectroscopy studies focused on a synthesized ion channel with a ferrocene centre. When incorporated in vesicular bilayers, this channel was demonstrated to support a Na+ flux that was at least six times faster than ion transport by monensin. Since oxidation of the ferrocene moiety completely inhibited the Na+ transport, the redox-active centre provides a potential mechanism for controlling ion flux.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, MA 01063, USA. ahall@smith.edu
authors.forename: Adam C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Suarez
authors.forename: Anindita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hom-Choudhury
authors.forename: Aida N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Manu
authors.forename: C Dennis
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Gregory J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Kirkovits
authors.forename: Ion
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ghiriviga
mesh_terms: D002412:Cations; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D017136:Ion Transport; D007700:Kinetics; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods; D000075163:Metallocenes; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines / Q000737:chemistry; D012964:Sodium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence
chemical_list: D002412:Cations; D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D007473:Ion Channels; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D000075163:Metallocenes; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; D012964:Sodium; C004998:ferrocene