RUI:Enhancing Single-Molecule Microscopy for Ion Channel Characterization in Lipid Membranes

化学测量和成像计划支持教授们的合作努力。惠顿学院的Daniel Burden和Lisa Keranen-Burden通过改进单分子荧光成像技术，开发了监测脂膜聚集蛋白质和离子通道的新方法。本研究以金黄色葡萄球菌的α-溶血素通道为模型。该蛋白已被证明在耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌(MRSA)感染的毒力中发挥重要作用。近年来，耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌？超级细菌？一直困扰着全国的医院和学校，导致了极端的人类疾病，并迫使采取严厉的措施来防止疫情蔓延。除了直接的模型靶系统，这项工作还受到脂膜蛋白通道组件在神经信号传递、细胞间通信、毒素效力和疾病状态中的重要作用的广泛影响。这一高度跨学科的研究为本科生提供了非同寻常的参与机会，与美国国家标准与技术研究所的John Kasianowicz博士的独特合作加强了这一研究。该计划的各个方面将被整合到本科课程中，包括普通化学、高级分析化学和普通生物实验室。

The Chemical Measurement and Imaging Program supports the collaborative efforts of Profs. Daniel Burden and Lisa Keranen-Burden at Wheaton College to develop new methodologies for monitoring aggregated proteins and ion channels in lipid membranes by improving single-molecule fluorescence imaging techniques. The research uses the alpha-hemolysin channel from Staphylococcus aureus as a model. This protein has been shown to play a significant role in the virulence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. In recent years, MRSA ?superbugs? have been plaguing hospitals and schools nationwide, causing extreme human illness, and forcing draconian measures to keep outbreaks from spreading. Beyond the immediate model target system, the work gains broad impact from the important role of lipid membrane protein channel assemblies in nervous signal transmission, intercellular communication, toxin potency, and disease states. This highly interdisciplinary research offers extraordinary opportunities for involvement by undergraduate students, enhanced by a unique collaboration with Dr. John Kasianowicz at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Aspects of the program will be integrated into the undergraduate curriculum, including general chemistry, advanced analytical chemistry, and the general biology laboratory.