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Planar lipid bilayers in recombinant ion channel research
Jacqueline Maher1, Marcus Allen2
1School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University Of Brighton, United Kingdom.
Methods (San Diego, Calif.)
|March 13, 2018
Summary
Reconstituting purified ion channels into lipid bilayers is a reliable cell-free method to confirm their function. This technique allows for the study of intracellular channels and ion channel modulators.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Biochemistry
Background:
- Investigating recombinant protein function, particularly ion channels, presents challenges post-purification.
- Limited methods exist to verify the functional integrity of purified ion channels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and utilize a robust cell-free method for assessing the function of purified recombinant ion channels.
- To investigate the mode of action of ion channel modulators using this functional assay.
Main Methods:
- Reconstitution of purified recombinant ion channels into planar lipid bilayers.
- Functional characterization of reconstituted ion channels.
- Utilizing the planar lipid bilayer system to study ion channel modulator interactions.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the convenience and reliability of the planar lipid bilayer reconstitution method for ion channel functional assays.
- Successfully studied recombinant ion channels with known subunit compositions.
- Applied the method to investigate the effects of ion channel modulators.
Conclusions:
- The planar lipid bilayer reconstitution assay is a trusted and convenient cell-free method for validating ion channel function after purification.
- This technique is suitable for studying both accessible and inaccessible (intracellular) ion channels.
- The method provides a valuable platform for understanding ion channel modulation mechanisms.
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