Fully Automatic Multiresolution Idealization for Filtered Ion Channel Recordings: Flickering Event Detection.

We propose a new model-free segmentation method, JULES, which combines recent statistical multiresolution techniques with local deconvolution for idealization of ion channel recordings. The multiresolution criterion takes into account scales down to the sampling rate enabling the detection of flickering events, i.e., events on small temporal scales, even below the filter frequency. For such small scales the deconvolution step allows for a precise determination of dwell times and, in particular, of amplitude levels, a task which is not possible with common thresholding methods. This is confirmed theoretically and in a comprehensive simulation study. In addition, JULES can be applied as a preprocessing method for a refined hidden Markov analysis. Our new methodology allows us to show that gramicidin A flickering events have the same amplitude as the slow gating events. JULES is available as an R function jules in the package clampSeg.

Self-Assembly of a Guanosine Derivative To Form Nanostructures and Transmembrane Channels.

We herein report the self-assembly of a lipophilic bromoguanosine derivative (G1) in homogeneous solution, in the solid state and in planar bilayer membranes. The self-assembly of G1, driven by H-bonding and π-π stacking interactions can form different nano-structures depending on incubation time. The G1 nanostructure is able to bind a bioactive dye like Rose Bengal. In crystal state, it shows ribbon type H-bonding pattern and exhibits birefringence in polarized light. And further, the self-assembled nanostructure of G1 can form discrete transmembrane ion channels in lipid bilayer membranes, enabling passage of potassium ions.

Bis-triazolyl diguanosine derivatives as synthetic transmembrane ion channels.

In nature, ion channels facilitate the transport of ions across biological membranes. The development of artificial ion channels that can mimic the fundamental functions of the natural ones would be of great importance to biological research. Artificial ion channels based on nucleoside derivatives are expected to be biocompatible with functions that can be controlled by the presence or absence of biologically relevant molecules. This protocol describes the detailed procedures for the synthesis and ion-channel activity of four diguanosine derivatives, each made up of two guanosine moieties separated by a covalent linker (e.g., PEG). The procedure describes the preparation of guanosine azide and guanosine alkine building blocks, as well as the preparation of four distinct synthetic linkers each containing either two alkynes or two azides. The diguanosine derivatives are synthesized using a 'one-pot' modular synthetic approach based on Cu(I)-catalyzed azide and alkyne cycloaddition. The ion-channel activity of these diguanosine derivatives for the transportation of ions across a phospholipid bilayer is investigated using voltage-clamp experiment. By using the PEG-containing diguanosine as an example, we describe how to determine the ion-channel activity in the presence of different metal ions (e.g., Na(+), K(+) and Cs(+)) and the inhibition of the ion-channel activity using the nucleobase cytosine. The approximate time frame for the synthesis of the PEG dinucleoside is 3 d, and that for the experiments to evaluate its ability to transport K(+) ion across a phospholipid bilayer is ∼8-10 h.

A DNA-inspired synthetic ion channel based on G-C base pairing.

A dinucleoside containing guanosine and cytidine at the end groups has been prepared using a modular one-pot azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Single channel analysis showed that this dinucleoside predominantly forms large channels with 2.9 nS conductance for the transport of potassium ions across a phospholipid bilayer. Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy studies reveal that this dinucleoside can spontaneously associate through Watson-Crick canonical H-bonding and π-π stacking to form stable supramolecular nanostructures. Most importantly, the ion channel activity of this G-C dinucleoside can be inhibited using the nucleobase cytosine.

Triazole-tailored guanosine dinucleosides as biomimetic ion channels to modulate transmembrane potential.

A "click" ion channel platform has been established by employing a clickable guanosine azide or alkyne with covalent spacers. The resulting guanosine derivatives modulated the traffic of ions across the phospholipid bilayer, exhibiting a variation in conductance spanning three orders of magnitude (pS to nS). Förster resonance energy transfer studies of the dansyl fluorophore with the membrane binding fluorophore Nile red revealed that the dansyl fluorophore is deeply embedded in the phospholipid bilayer. Complementary cytosine can inhibit the conductance of the supramolecular guanosine channels in the phospholipid bilayers.