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Intramembrane Congestion Effects On Lysenin Channel Voltage-Induced Gating, Eric Krueger, Sheenah Bryant, Nisha Shrestha, Tyler Clark, Charles Hanna, David Pink, Daniel Fologea

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

All cell membranes are packed with proteins. The ability to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of protein channels in experimental conditions mimicking their congested native environment is crucial for understanding the environmental physicochemical cues that may fundamentally contribute to their functionality in natural membranes. Here we report on investigations of the voltage-induced gating of lysenin channels in congested conditions experimentally achieved by increasing the number of channels inserted into planar lipid membranes. Typical electrophysiology measurements reveal congestion-induced changes to the voltage-induced gating, manifested as a significant reduction of the response to external voltage stimuli. Furthermore, we demonstrate a similar diminished voltage …