Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
ergosterol, nystatin binding, artificial cell membranes
College
Life Sciences
Department
Physiology and Developmental Biology
Abstract
The phospholipids that make up the cell membrane change in order and liquidity with temperature and sterol concentration. This change in phase can be recognized by using a fluorescent probe called nystatin. Nystatin is currently used pharmaceutically as a fungicide; it forms channels in membranes with ergosterol allowing water and ions to rush inside and rupture the fungal cell. Nystatin is assumed to bind to the membrane differently in the presence of cholesterol, as is the case with humans than in the presence of ergosterol, thus allowing the drug to destroy fungal cells while accumulating harmlessly on the surface of the human cells. By studying the differences between the two cases, a nystatin binding standard can be established. The purpose of this ORCA project was to shed light on the way nystatin reacts to artificial membranes with ergosterol incorporated among the phospholipids. By establishing a known standard for nystatin binding we can then use it to study membrane order change in the different life stages of a cell such as apoptosis.
Recommended Citation
Bahm, Quinn and Bell, Dr. John
(2013)
"Affects of Ergosterol on Nystatin Binding to Artificial Cell Membranes,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1418.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1418