Related Experiment Videos
Bilayers containing calcium ionophore A23187 form channels
S V Balasubramanian1, S K Sikdar, K R Easwaran
1Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|December 15, 1992
Summary
Calcium ionophore A23187 exhibits single channel currents in lipid bilayers, suggesting a shift from carrier to channel transport mechanisms. This ionophore
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Membrane Biology
- Ion Transport
Background:
- A23187 is a carboxylic calcium ionophore.
- Understanding ionophore mechanisms is crucial for cell signaling.
- Gramicidin serves as a known channel model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ion transport mechanism of A23187 in lipid bilayers.
- To compare the single channel currents of A23187 with gramicidin.
- To explore the role of molecular aggregation in A23187 function.
Main Methods:
- Bilayer membrane conductance experiments.
- Incorporation of A23187 into lipid bilayers.
- Analysis of single channel currents.
Main Results:
- A23187 demonstrated single channel currents comparable to gramicidin.
- Initial ion transport by A23187 appears to be a carrier mechanism.
- Over time, A23187 transitions to a channel or pore mechanism.
Conclusions:
- A23187 can form channels in lipid bilayers.
- The mechanism of transmembrane ion transport by A23187 evolves over time.
- Molecular aggregation of A23187 influences its transport mechanism.