EPR studies on the mechanism of ion transport through lipid membranes and their destabilization

The mode of interaction of the ionophore CyPLOS (Cyclic Phosphate-Linked OligoSaccharide) with lipid bilayers is studied by quantitatively analysing the perturbations in the ESR spectrum of an ad hoc synthesized spin-labeled CyPLOS analog. The resulting asymmetric perturbation of the bilayer leads to its local destabilization, thus facilitating, through a non-specific mechanism, the ion transport through the membrane.

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