Papel da localização da carga em determinação dos parâmetros do canal iônico

To aureus α-HL channel, we used the cysteine-scanning mutagenesis technique. Twenty-four mutants were produced from the substitution of a single aminoacid of the primary structure of the α-HL pro this yzed after the incorporation of a mutant channel in planar lipid bilayer membranes. The modified proteins were studied in the absence and presence of watersoluble specific sulphydryl-specific reagents, in order to introduce a strong positive or negative harge at positions of substitution. The introduction of a negative charge in the stem region onverted the selectivity of the channel from weak anionic to more cationic. However, the troduction of a positive charge increased its selectivity to the anion. The degree of these alterations was inversely dependent on the channel radius at the position of the introduced harge (selectivity). As to the asymmetry of the conductance-voltage, the influence of the harge was more complex. The introduction of the negative charge in the stem region (the trans art of the pore) provoked a decrease. The intensity of these alterations depended on the radius, and on the type of free charge at the pore entrance. These results suggest that the free charge at surrounds the pore wall is responsible for the cation-anion selectivity of the channel. The istribution of the charges between the entrances is crucial for determining the asymmetry of e conductance-voltage curves. We hope that these results serve as a model for studies with other nanometric channels, in biological or planar lipid bilayer membranes or in iotechnological applications