Stopped-Flow Fluorometric Ion Flux Assay for Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Studies.

TitleStopped-Flow Fluorometric Ion Flux Assay for Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Studies.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsPosson DJ, Rusinova R, Andersen OS, Nimigean CM
JournalMethods Mol Biol
Volume1684
Pagination223-235
Date Published2018
ISSN1940-6029
Abstract

Quantitative investigations into functional properties of purified ion channel proteins using standard electrophysiological methods are challenging, in particular for the determination of average ion channel behavior following rapid changes in experimental conditions (e.g., ligand concentration). Here, we describe a method for determining the functional activity of liposome-reconstituted K channels using a stopped-flow fluorometric ion flux assay. Channel activity is quantified by measuring the rate of fluorescence decrease of a liposome-encapsulated fluorophore, specifically quenched by thallium ions entering the liposomes via open channels. This method is well suited for studying the lipid bilayer dependence of channel activity, the activation and desensitization kinetics of ligand-dependent K channels, and channel modulation by channel agonists, blockers, or other antagonists.

DOI10.1007/978-1-4939-7362-0_17
Alternate JournalMethods Mol. Biol.
PubMed ID29058195