Artificially Gated Pores by Derivatization of a-Hemolsin with Stimulus-Responsive Polymers

The goal of the project is to create artificially gated pores, which open or close in response to chemical stimuli and physical stimuli. To generate these new pores, a-hemolysin, a pore-forming membrane protein from the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus will be engineered by genetic manipulation and chemical modification. The artificial membran pores will open and close in response to physical (temperature) and chemical stimuli (DNA, metal ions, pH-value) thereby affecting the transport of water soluble molecules across the pore. The new gated pores should, on one hand, be a model system for investigating the opening and closing mechanism. On the other hand, the artificially gated pores possess a high biotechnological application potential. They might be used as "molecular switches" for biosensor systems to detect low concentrations of toxic substances. Furthermore, due to the possibility to control the opening and closing, the artificial membrane pores might be used for targeted drug delivery and for attacking malignant cells.