| abstract |
Methods for identifying apoptosis-modulating compounds using lipid bilayers are provided. One method involves contacting a compound of interest with a lipid bilayer which contains an ion-channel formed by an anti-apoptotic or pro-apoptotic polypeptide of the BCL-2 family and assaying for changes in the ion conductance properties of the channel, including ion selectivity, single channel conductance and rectification. A second method identifies compounds which can form ion channels in planar lipid bilayers and determines the ion selectivity and pH dependence of such channel formation, where apoptosis modulating activity is predicted based on comparing these channel forming characteristics with those of Bcl-2 family members. |