Cholesterol Modulation of Protein Function

Avia Rosenhouse-Dantsker, D.Sc., is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her research background ranges from quantum theory and computational biology to biophysical chemistry, molecular biology and electrophysiology. Her current research employs experimental and computational approaches to elucidate structural and functional mechanisms of protein modulation with a special emphasis on the modulation of ion channels by lipids (e.g. cholesterol, phosphoinositides, and others). Dr. Rosenhouse-Dantsker is a member of the Biophysical Society and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She is currently also serving as a co-Editor on a book on the Direct Mechanisms in Cholesterol Modulation of Protein Function. Anna N. Bukiya, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Her scientific interests lie in the field of lipid modulation of ionic currents and ion channel sensitivity to alcohol starting from in utero development and spanning into adulthood. Current studies employ an array of computational, biochemical, electrophysiological, and integrative approaches. Dr. Anna Bukiya is a member of the Biophysical Society, and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (Division of Cardiovascular Pharmacology). She is currently also serving as a co-Editor on a book on the Direct Mechanisms in Cholesterol Modulation of Protein Function.

Part 1. Sterol specificity in modulating protein function: 1. Chirality effect on cholesterol modulation of protein function.- 2. A critical analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying membrane cholesterol sensitivity of GPCRs.- 3. Regulation of BK channel activity by cholesterol and its derivatives.- 4. Chiral specificity of cholesterol orientation within cholesterol binding sites in inwardly rectifying potassium channels.- Part 2. Indirect modulation of protein function by cholesterol: 5. Cholesterol effect on the physical properties of lipid membranes.- 6. Effect of cholesterol on the dipole potential of lipid membranes.- 7. Mass spectroscopy imaging of cholesterol.- 8. Cholesterol-dependent gating effects on ion channels.