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Self-organized enhancement of conductivity in biological ion channels

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Tindjong, Rodrigue, Kaufman, Igor, Luchinsky, Dmittri G., McClintock, P. V. E., Khovanov, I. A. and Eisenberg, Robert S. (2013) Self-organized enhancement of conductivity in biological ion channels. New Journal of Physics, Volume 15 (Number 10). Article number 103005. doi:10.1088/1367-2630/15/10/103005 ISSN 1367-2630.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/15/10/103005

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Abstract

We discuss an example of self-organization in a biological system. It arises from long-range ion–ion interactions, and it leads us to propose a new kind of enhanced conduction in ion channels. The underlying mechanism involves charge fluctuations near the channel mouth, amplified by the mismatch between the relative permittivities of water and the protein of the channel walls. We use Brownian dynamics simulations to show that, as in conventional 'knock on' permeation, these interactions can strongly enhance the channel current; but unlike the conventional mechanism, the enhancement occurs without the instigating bath ion entering the channel. The transition between these two mechanisms is clearly demonstrated, emphasizing their distinction. A simple model accurately reproduces the observed phenomena. We point out that electrolyte plus protein of low relative permittivity are universal in living systems, so that long-range ion–ion correlations of the kind considered must be common.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Divisions: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Engineering > Engineering
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Ion-ion collisions, Mathematical physics, Biological systems, Ion channels, Electrolytes
Journal or Publication Title: New Journal of Physics
Publisher: IOP Publishing
ISSN: 1367-2630
Official Date: October 2013
Dates:
DateEvent
October 2013Published
Volume: Volume 15
Number: Number 10
Page Range: Article number 103005
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/15/10/103005
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Open Access (Creative Commons)
Date of first compliant deposit: 25 December 2015
Date of first compliant Open Access: 25 December 2015
Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Grant number: EP/G070660/1 (EPSRC)

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