Ion channels from viruses - simulation and conductance study 6

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Project objective

Research objectives and content lon channels encoded by viruses are a relatively unexplored class of integral membrane protein which present potential targets for novel drugs. Channels formed by assemblies of the transmembrane (TM) alpha-helices of the M2 protein from influenza A and from the Vpu protein of HIV-1 will be explored. Computer simulations will be applied to:- (i) interactions of viral channel TM helices with lipid bilayers; and (ii) conductance properties of the resultant channels. Measurements of ionic currents across planar lipid bilayers will define the properties of ion channels formed by synthetic TM peptides. Simulation and experimental studies will focus on:- (i) effects of pH (M2) and ionic concentration (Vpu) on channel formation and stability; and (ii) conductance of protons (M2) and of cations vs. anions (Vpu). The project will provide basic physico-chemical characterisation of viral ion channels for future spectroscopic investigations and for design of novel anti-viral drugs. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) The overall objective is to investigate structure/function relationships of integral membrane proteins. Techniques of simulation, conductance measurements and peptide synthesis are necessary to complement data from other ion channels by FTIR spectroscopy. Links with industry / industrial relevance (22) The combination of computational and experimental studies of viral ion channels opens up possibilities of drug development and screening.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · OXFORDCoordinatorUnited Kingdom
• Not availableCity levelGermany

Links

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