Aerolysin polypeptides and/or mutant aerolysin monomers include modified amino acid sequences that could have improved substrate analyte, such as (poly)nucleotide and peptide, improved reading properties such as enhanced substrate analyte capture and improved substrate analyte recognition and/or discrimination. Also, aerolysin pores may be derived from the mutant monomers as well as apparatuses and devices may include modified aerolysin polypeptides. Further, methods of using modified aerolysin proteins and pores derive therefrom may be used in characterizing and/or sequencing a polymeric molecule or may be for use as molecular sensors.