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An artificial primitive mimic of the Gramicidin-A channel

TitleAn artificial primitive mimic of the Gramicidin-A channel
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsBarboiu M, Le Duc Y, Gilles A, Cazade P-A, Michau M, Legrand Y-M, Van Der Lee A, Coasne BA, Parvizi P, Post J, Fyles T
JournalNature Communications
Volume5
Date PublishedJun-26-2014
Type of ArticleArticle
ISSN2041-1723
Abstract

Gramicidin A (gA) is the simplest known natural channel, and important progress in improving conduction activity has previously been obtained with modified natural gAs. However, simple artificial systems mimicking the gA functions are unknown. Here we show that gA can be mimicked using a simple synthetic triazole or `T-channel' forming compound (TCT), having similar constitutional functions as the natural gAs. As in gA channels, the carbonyl moieties of the TCT, which point toward the T-channel core and surround the transport direction, are solvated by water. The net-dipolar alignment of water molecules along the chiral pore surfaces influences the conduction of protons/ions, envisioned to diffuse along dipolar hydrophilic pathways. Theoretical simulations and experimental assays reveal that the conduction through the T-channel, similar to that in gA, presents proton/water conduction, cation/anion selectivity and large open channel-conductance states. T-channels-associating supramolecular chirality with dipolar water alignment-represent an artificial primitive mimic of gA.

Molecular structures and crystal packing.

Molecular simulations of water molecules and ions confined within T-channel.

Bilayer membrane transport experiments.

Single channel conductance of T-channels under ‘early stage’ conductance records.

DOI10.1038/ncomms5142
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