Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially non-lytic, non-cytotoxic anchor peptide that is capable of stably inserting into lipid membranes. In particular, the invention provides nanoparticles comprising stably inserted anchor peptides, which may be conjugated to a variety of different cargo complexes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially non-lytic, non-cytotoxic anchor peptide that is capable of stably inserting into lipid membranes. In particular, the invention provides nanoparticles comprising stably inserted anchor peptides, which may be conjugated to a variety of different cargo complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amphiphiles for the formation of a synthetic ion channel in a phospholipid bilayer or biomembrane. The synthetic channel selectively transports chloride ions across the phospholipid bilayer or the membrane. Said amphiphiles impart ion permeability to the phospholipid bilayers or biomembrane and also modulate cellular volume in mammalian cells in vitro.

Abstract: The design, synthesis, and characterization of synthetic anion membrane transporters are presented. These novel compounds impart ion permeability to phospholipid bilayers and also modulate cellular volume in mammalian cells in vitro. The compounds insert rapidly into liposomes and planar lipid bilayers.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for blocking a cellular proton pump that comprises contacting a cell with a cellular proton pump-blocking effective quantity of In-EDTA or Tl-EDTA. The present invention also provides a method of treating or preventing cell-mediated disorders in a vertebrate animal by administering In-EDTA or Tl-EDTA to the vertebrate animal, as well as a method for stopping the cellular proton pump-blocking effect of Group IIIa metals such as Ga, In, and Tl, through use of suitable chelating agents. Suitable compositions for use in the aforementioned methods are provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for blocking a cellular proton pump that comprises contacting a cell with a cellular proton pump-blocking effective quantity of In-EDTA or Tl-EDTA. The present invention also provides a method of treating or preventing cell-mediated disorders in a vertebrate animal by administering In-EDTA or Tl-EDTA to the vertebrate animal, as well as a method for stopping the cellular proton pump-blocking effect of Group IIIa metals such as Ga, In, and Tl, through use of suitable chelating agents. Suitable compositions for use in the aforementioned methods are provided as well.