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Constructing ion channels from water-soluble α-helical barrels
The de novo design of functional membrane proteins is a formidable challenge. Now, water-soluble peptides have been designed that assemble into α-helical barrels with accessible, polar and hydrated central channels. Insights from these structures have been used to produce stable membrane-spanning, cation-selective channels.
- Alistair J. Scott
- , Ai Niitsu
- & Derek N. Woolfson
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Article |
A synthetic ion transporter that disrupts autophagy and induces apoptosis by perturbing cellular chloride concentrations
A squaramide-based anion transporter has now been shown to cause changes in the lysosomal pH leading to impairment of lysosomal enzyme activity and disruption of autophagic processes. The study provides the first experimental evidence that synthetic ion transporters can both disrupt autophagy and induce apoptosis.
- Nathalie Busschaert
- , Seong-Hyun Park
- & Injae Shin
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News & Views |
Lighting up with azobenzenes
The chemical introduction of a photoswitchable ligand into ion channel structures should make it possible to study the diverse roles of neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain.
- G. Andrew Woolley
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Article |
Optochemical control of genetically engineered neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Light-sensitive ligands can be used to regulate neurobiological receptors with high spatiotemporal precision. Here, the optochemical control of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, using both photoswitchable tethered agonists and antagonists, is described. These rationally designed hybrid photoreceptors will facilitate the investigation of the physiological and pathological functions of nicotinic receptors in the brain.
- Ivan Tochitsky
- , Matthew R. Banghart
- & Dirk Trauner