Temperature-responsive protein pores

Yuni Jung, Hagan Bayley, Liviu Movileanu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

107 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe temperature-responsive protein pores containing single elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) loops. The ELP loops were placed within the cavity of the lumen of the α-hemolysin (αHL) pore, a heptamer of known crystal structure. The cavity is roughly spherical with a molecular surface volume of about 39 500 Å3. In an applied potential, the wild-type αHL pore remained open for long periods. In contrast, the ELP loop-containing αHL pores exhibited transient current blockades, the nature of which depended on the length and sequence of the inserted loop. Together with similar results obtained with poly(ethylene glycols) covalently attached within the cavity, the data suggest that the transient current blockades are caused by excursions of ELP into the transmembrane β-barrel domain of the pore. Below its transition temperature, the ELP loop is fully expanded and blocks the pore completely, but reversibly. Above its transition temperature, the ELP is dehydrated and the structure collapses, enabling a substantial flow of ions. Potential applications of temperature-responsive protein pores in medical biotechnology are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)15332-15340
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume128
Issue number47
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 29 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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