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来开发监测脂质膜中聚集蛋白和离子通道的新方法。该研究使用来自金黄色葡萄球菌的α溶血素通道作为模型。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，MRSA ?超级细菌？一直困扰着全国的医院和学校，导致极端的人类疾病，并迫使采取严厉措施防止疫情蔓延。除了直接的模型靶系统外，脂膜蛋白通道组装在神经信号传递、细胞间通讯、毒素效力和疾病状态中的重要作用也对这项工作产生了广泛的影响。这项高度跨学科的研究为本科生的参与提供了非凡的机会，并与美国国家标准与技术研究所的约翰·卡西亚诺维奇博士进行了独特的合作。该计划的各个方面将整合到本科课程中，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.