KCNE1 and KCNQ1 are membrane proteins located in the heart that are responsible for repolarization. Malfunction of these proteins can lead to “Long QT Syndrome”—a condition that can cause life threatening arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Styrene maleic acid copolymer lipid nanoparticles (SMALPS) is a membrane mimetic system that purifies a protein and allows for the native membrane to remain intact. SMA has a tendency to precipitate under acidic pH conditions and when divalent cations are present, meaning it is not compatible with every protein. SMA-Neut is a derivative of SMA, forming lipid particles known as SMADLPS, that is found to be less sensitive to pH or divalent ions. The functionalization of SMA to SMA-Neut allows the polymer to be used to purify KCNE1 directly from the native membrane and ultimately results in KCNE1 being studied in a near native environment and provides the potential of other small membrane proteins to be studied this way.
Author(s): Lauryn Cook, Biochemistry and Public Health Major
Advisor(s): Gary Lorigan, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Rebecca Stowe, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
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