title: Direct introduction of single protein channels and pores into lipid bilayers.
abstract: We have developed a mechanical method for inserting single pores and channels into lipid bilayers. A hand-operated hydrogel probe, coated with a layer of proteins, is mechanically engaged with the lipid bilayer. The two major classes of membrane proteins (beta barrels and alpha-helix bundles) that can be inserted, thereby demonstrating the wide applicability of the approach. Recordings from the proteins show that they retain electrical properties that are the same as those of proteins inserted from solution. Protein-loaded probes can be used repeatedly, allowing individual pores to be rapidly screened one at a time. The method has implications for fundamental studies of cell membranes, array fabrication, and chemical screening.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom. matthew.holden@chem.ox.ac.uk
authors.forename: Matthew A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Holden
authors.forename: Hagan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bayley
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D007956:Leukocidins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D047408:gamma-Cyclodextrins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D007956:Leukocidins; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D015221:Potassium Channels; D047408:gamma-Cyclodextrins; C107790:prokaryotic potassium channel