Modulation of Na,K-ATPase and Na-ATPase activity by phospholipids and cholesterol. I. Steady-state kinetics

Acid sphingomyelinase activity is regulated by membrane lipids and facilitates cholesterol transfer by NPC2

During endocytosis, membrane components move to intraluminal vesicles of the endolysosomal compartment for digestion. At the late endosomes, cholesterol is sorted out mainly by two sterol-binding proteins, Niemann-Pick protein type C (NPC)1 and NPC2. To study the NPC2-mediated intervesicular cholesterol transfer, we developed a liposomal assay system. (Abdul-Hammed, M., B. Breiden, M. A. Adebayo, J. O. Babalola, G. Schwarzmann, and K. Sandhoff. 2010. Role of endosomal membrane lipids and NPC2 in cholesterol transfer and membrane fusion. J. Lipid Res. 51: 1747-1760.) Anionic lipids stimulate cholesterol transfer between liposomes while SM inhibits it, even in the presence of anionic bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP). Preincubation of vesicles containing SM with acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) (SM phosphodiesterase, EC 3.1.4.12) results in hydrolysis of SM to ceramide (Cer), which enhances cholesterol transfer. Besides SM, ASM also cleaves liposomal phosphatidylcholine. Anionic phospholipids derived from the plasma membrane (phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidic acid) stimulate SM and phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis by ASM more effectively than BMP, which is generated during endocytosis. ASM-mediated hydrolysis of liposomal SM was also stimulated by incorporation of diacylglycerol (DAG), Cer, and free fatty acids into the liposomal membranes. Conversely, phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis was inhibited by incorporation of cholesterol, Cer, DAG, monoacylglycerol, and fatty acids. Our data suggest that SM degradation by ASM is required for physiological secretion of cholesterol from the late endosomal compartment, and is a key regulator of endolysosomal lipid digestion.

Na,K-ATPase reconstituted in ternary liposome: the presence of cholesterol affects protein activity and thermal stability

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was applied to investigate the effect of cholesterol on the thermotropic properties of the lipid membrane (DPPC and DPPE). The thermostability and unfolding of solubilized and reconstituted Na,K-ATPase in DPPC:DPPE:cholesterol-liposomes was also studied to gain insight into the role of cholesterol in the Na,K-ATPase modulation of enzyme function and activity. The tertiary system (DPPC:DPPE:cholesterol) (molar ratio DPPC:DPPE equal 1:1) when cholesterol content was increased from 0% up to 40% results in a slight decrease in the temperature of transition and enthalpy, and an increase in width. We observed that, without heating treatment, at 37°C, the activity was higher for 20mol% cholesterol. However, thermal inactivation experiments showed that the enzyme activity loss time depends on the cholesterol membrane content. The unfolding of the enzyme incorporated to liposomes of DPPC:DPPE (1:1mol) with different cholesterol contents, ranging from 0% to 40% mol was also studied by DSC. Some differences between the thermograms indicate that the presence of lipids promotes a conformational change in protein structure and this change is enough to change the way Na,K-ATPase thermally unfolds.

Gill tissue lipids of salmon (Salmo salar L.) presmolts and smolts from anadromous and landlocked populations

Composition of membrane lipids from the gills of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in presmolt and smolt phases of development was compared among anadromous and non-anadromous populations. Three stocks migrating from spawning rivers to either lake (landlocked stock), brackish water or full strength sea water were grown under common garden conditions, and gill lipids and their acyl and alkenyl chains were examined in February (presmolts) and at the end of May (smolts) by mass spectrometry and gas-liquid chromatography. The most remarkable changes upon transition from the presmolt phase to the smolt phase were: (i) increase in the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio, (ii) decrease in the abundance of phosphatidylinositol (PI) content, (iii) increase in the amount of sulfatides, (iv) increase in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) species with two highly unsaturated acyl chains, and finally (v) convergence of interstock differences in PC and PE species composition towards a similar lipid composition. Increases in the gill membrane content of cholesterol and sulfatides are discussed as pre-adaptation of salmon gills for salt-secretion, which may occur by increases in membrane microdomains (rafts) harboring ion channels and pumps. The decreases of PI were likely related to adjusting the gill membrane permeability to ions by diminishing prostanoid production. The similarity of those changes among three salmon stocks and the convergence of initially (presmolt phase) different PC and PE species profiles between the stocks towards similar lipid composition suggests that smoltification process of the gill epithelium is largely similar in anadromous and landlocked populations.

LXRs regulate ER stress and inflammation through dynamic modulation of membrane phospholipid composition

The fatty acyl composition of phospholipids determines the biophysical character of membranes and impacts the function of membrane proteins. Here, we define a nuclear receptor pathway for the dynamic modulation of membrane composition in response to changes in cellular lipid metabolism. Ligand activation of liver X receptors (LXRs) preferentially drives the incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids into phospholipids through induction of the remodeling enzyme Lpcat3. Promotion of Lpcat3 activity ameliorates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by saturated free fatty acids in vitro or by hepatic lipid accumulation in vivo. Conversely, Lpcat3 knockdown in liver exacerbates ER stress and inflammation. Mechanistically, Lpcat3 modulates inflammation both by regulating inflammatory kinase activation through changes in membrane composition and by affecting substrate availability for inflammatory mediator production. These results outline an endogenous mechanism for the preservation of membrane homeostasis during lipid stress and identify Lpcat3 as an important mediator of LXR effects on metabolism.

A novel cholesterol-producing Pichia pastoris strain is an ideal host for functional expression of human Na,K-ATPase α3β1 isoform

The heterologous expression of mammalian membrane proteins in lower eukaryotes is often hampered by aberrant protein localization, structure, and function, leading to enhanced degradation and, thus, low expression levels. Substantial quantities of functional membrane proteins are necessary to elucidate their structure-function relationships. Na,K-ATPases are integral, human membrane proteins that specifically interact with cholesterol and phospholipids, ensuring protein stability and enhancing ion transport activity. In this study, we present a Pichia pastoris strain which was engineered in its sterol pathway towards the synthesis of cholesterol instead of ergosterol to foster the functional expression of human membrane proteins. Western blot analyses revealed that cholesterol-producing yeast formed enhanced and stable levels of human Na,K-ATPase α3β1 isoform. ATPase activity assays suggested that this Na,K-ATPase isoform was functionally expressed in the plasma membrane. Moreover, [(3)H]-ouabain cell surface-binding studies underscored that the Na,K-ATPase was present in high numbers at the cell surface, surpassing reported expression strains severalfold. This provides evidence that the humanized sterol composition positively influenced Na,K-ATPase α3β1 stability, activity, and localization to the yeast plasma membrane. Prospectively, cholesterol-producing yeast will have high potential for functional expression of many mammalian membrane proteins.

Neutral phospholipids stimulate Na,K-ATPase activity: a specific lipid-protein interaction

Membrane proteins interact with phospholipids either via an annular layer surrounding the transmembrane segments or by specific lipid-protein interactions. Although specifically bound phospholipids are observed in many crystal structures of membrane proteins, their roles are not well understood. Na,K-ATPase is highly dependent on acid phospholipids, especially phosphatidylserine, and previous work on purified detergent-soluble recombinant Na,K-ATPase showed that phosphatidylserine stabilizes and specifically interacts with the protein. Most recently the phosphatidylserine binding site has been located between transmembrane segments of αTM8-10 and the FXYD protein. This paper describes stimulation of Na,K-ATPase activity of the purified human α1β1 or α1β1FXYD1 complexes by neutral phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, or phosphatidylethanolamine. In the presence of phosphatidylserine, soy phosphatidylcholine increases the Na,K-ATPase turnover rate from 5483 ± 144 to 7552 ± 105 (p < 0.0001). Analysis of α1β1FXYD1 complexes prepared with native or synthetic phospholipids shows that the stimulatory effect is structurally selective for neutral phospholipids with polyunsaturated fatty acyl chains, especially dilinoleoyl phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine. By contrast to phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine destabilizes the Na,K-ATPase. Structural selectivity for stimulation of Na,K-ATPase activity and destabilization by neutral phospholipids distinguish these effects from the stabilizing effects of phosphatidylserine and imply that the phospholipids bind at distinct sites. A re-examination of electron densities of shark Na,K-ATPase is consistent with two bound phospholipids located between transmembrane segments αTM8-10 and TMFXYD (site A) and between TM2, -4, -6, -and 9 (site B). Comparison of the phospholipid binding pockets in E2 and E1 conformations suggests a possible mechanism of stimulation of Na,K-ATPase activity by the neutral phospholipid.

Membrane physical properties influence transmembrane helix formation

The pHLIP peptide has three states: (I) soluble in aqueous buffer, (II) bound to the bilayer surface at neutral pH, and (III) inserted as a transmembrane (TM) helix at acidic pH. The membrane insertion of pHLIP at low pH can be used to target the acidic tissues characteristic of different diseases, such as cancer. We find that the α-helix content of state II depends on lipid acyl chain length but not cholesterol, suggesting the helicity of the bound state may be controlled by the bilayer elastic bending modulus. Experiments with the P20G variant show the proline residue in pHLIP reduces the α-helix content of both states II and III. We also observe that the membrane insertion pKa is influenced by membrane physical properties, following a biphasic pattern similar to the membrane thickness optima observed for the function of eukaryotic membrane proteins. Because tumor cells exhibit altered membrane fluidity, we suggest this might influence pHLIP tumor targeting. We used a cell insertion assay to determine the pKa in live cells, observing that the properties in liposomes held in the more complex plasma membrane. Our results show that the formation of a TM helix is modulated by both the conformational propensities of the peptide and the physical properties of the bilayer. These results suggest a physical role for helix-membrane interactions in optimizing the function of more complex TM proteins.

Role of unsaturated lipid and ergosterol in ethanol tolerance of model yeast biomembranes

We present a combined atomic force microscopy and fluorescence microscopy study of the behavior of a ternary supported lipid bilayer system containing a saturated lipid (DPPC), an unsaturated lipid (DOPC), and ergosterol in the presence of high ethanol (20 vol %). We find that the fluorescent probe Texas Red DHPE preferentially partitions into the ethanol-induced interdigitated phase, which allows the use of fluorescence imaging to investigate the phase behavior of the system. Atomic force microscopy and fluorescence images of samples with the same lipid mixture show good agreement in sample morphology and area fractions of the observed phases. Using area fractions obtained from fluorescence images over a broad range of compositions, we constructed a phase diagram of the DPPC/DOPC/ergosterol system at 20 vol % ethanol. The phase diagram clearly shows that increasing unsaturated lipid and/or ergosterol protects the membrane by preventing the formation of the interdigitated phase. This result supports the hypothesis that yeast cells increase ergosterol and unsaturated lipid content to prevent interdigitation and maintain an optimal membrane thickness as ethanol concentration increases during anaerobic fermentations. Changes in plasma membrane composition provide an important survival factor for yeast cells to deter ethanol toxicity.

GPCR production in a novel yeast strain that makes cholesterol-like sterols

The activities of many mammalian membrane proteins including G-protein coupled receptors are cholesterol-dependent. Unlike higher eukaryotes, yeast do not make cholesterol. Rather they make a related molecule called ergosterol. As cholesterol and ergosterol are biologically non-equivalent, the potential of yeast as hosts for overproducing mammalian membrane proteins has never been fully realised. To address this problem, we are trying to engineer a novel strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in which the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway of mammalian cells has been fully reconstituted. Thus far, we have created a modified strain that makes cholesterol-like sterols which has an increased capacity to make G-protein coupled receptors compared to control yeast.

Physiological adaptation of an Antarctic Na+/K+-ATPase to the cold

Because enzymatic activity is strongly suppressed by the cold, polar poikilotherms face significant adaptive challenges. For example, at 0°C the catalytic activity of a typical enzyme from a temperate organism is reduced by more than 90%. Enzymes embedded in the plasma membrane, such as the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, may be even more susceptible to the cold because of thermal effects on the lipid bilayer. Accordingly, adaptive changes in response to the cold may include adjustments to the enzyme or the surrounding lipid environment, or synergistic changes to both. To assess the contribution of the enzyme itself, we cloned orthologous Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase α-subunits from an Antarctic (Pareledone sp.; -1.8°C) and a temperate octopus (Octopus bimaculatus; ∼18°C), and compared their turnover rates and temperature sensitivities in a heterologous expression system. The primary sequences of the two pumps were found to be highly similar (97% identity), with most differences being conservative changes involving hydrophobic residues. The physiology of the pumps was studied using an electrophysiological approach in intact Xenopus oocytes. The voltage dependence of the pumps was equivalent. However, at room temperature the maximum turnover rate of the Antarctic pump was found to be 25% higher than that of the temperate pump. In addition, the Antarctic pump exhibited a lower temperature sensitivity, leading to significantly higher relative activity at lower temperatures. Orthologous Na(+)/K(+) pumps were then isolated from two tropical and two Arctic octopus. The temperature sensitivities of these pumps closely matched those of the temperate and Antarctic pumps, respectively. Thus, reduced thermal sensitivity appears to be a common mechanism driving cold adaptation in the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase.

Regulation of alpha1 Na/K-ATPase expression by cholesterol

We have reported that α1 Na/K-ATPase regulates the trafficking of caveolin-1 and consequently alters cholesterol distribution in the plasma membrane. Here, we report the reciprocal regulation of α1 Na/K-ATPase by cholesterol. Acute exposure of LLC-PK1 cells to methyl β-cyclodextrin led to parallel decreases in cellular cholesterol and the expression of α1 Na/K-ATPase. Cholesterol repletion fully reversed the effect of methyl β-cyclodextrin. Moreover, inhibition of intracellular cholesterol trafficking to the plasma membrane by compound U18666A had the same effect on α1 Na/K-ATPase. Similarly, the expression of α1, but not α2 and α3, Na/K-ATPase was significantly reduced in the target organs of Niemann-Pick type C mice where the intracellular cholesterol trafficking is blocked. Mechanistically, decreases in the plasma membrane cholesterol activated Src kinase and stimulated the endocytosis and degradation of α1 Na/K-ATPase through Src- and ubiquitination-dependent pathways. Thus, the new findings, taken together with what we have already reported, revealed a previously unrecognized feed-forward mechanism by which cells can utilize the Src-dependent interplay among Na/K-ATPase, caveolin-1, and cholesterol to effectively alter the structure and function of the plasma membrane.

Lipid bilayer composition affects transmembrane protein orientation and function

Sperm membranes change in structure and composition upon ejaculation to undergo capacitation, a molecular transformation which enables spermatozoa to undergo the acrosome reaction and be capable of fertilization. Changes to the membrane environment including lipid composition, specifically lipid microdomains, may be responsible for enabling capacitation. To study the effect of lipid environment on proteins, liposomes were created using lipids extracted from bull sperm membranes, with or without a protein (Na⁺ K⁺-ATPase or α-amylase). Protein incorporation, function, and orientation were determined. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) confirmed protein inclusion in the lipid bilayer, and protein function was confirmed using a colourometric assay of phosphate production from ATP cleavage. In the native lipid liposomes, ATPase was oriented with the β subunit facing the outer leaflet, while changing the lipid composition to 50% native lipids and 50% exogenous lipids significantly altered this orientation of Na⁺ K⁺-ATPase within the membranes.

Activity of BK(Ca) channel is modulated by membrane cholesterol content and association with Na+/K+-ATPase in human melanoma IGR39 cells

Interaction of large conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels with Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, caveolin-1, and cholesterol was studied in human melanoma IGR39 cells. Functional BK(Ca) channels were enriched in caveolin-rich and detergent-resistant membranes, i.e. rafts, and blocking of the channels by a specific BK(Ca) blocker paxilline reduced proliferation of the cells. Disruption of rafts by selective depletion of cholesterol released BK(Ca) channels from these domains with a consequent increase in their activity. Consistently, cholesterol enrichment of the cells increased the proportion of BK(Ca) channels in rafts and decreased their activity. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that BK(Ca) channels co-localize with Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in a cholesterol-dependent manner, thus suggesting their co-presence in rafts. Supporting this, ouabain, a specific blocker of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, inhibited BK(Ca) whole-cell current markedly in control cells but not in cholesterol-depleted ones. This inhibition required the presence of external Na(+). Collectively, these data indicate that the presence of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in rafts is essential for efficient functioning of BK(Ca) channels, presumably because the pump maintains a low intracellular Na(+) proximal to the BK(Ca) channel. In conclusion, cholesterol could play an important role in cellular ion homeostasis and thus modulate many cellular functions and cell proliferation.

Recent applications of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to membrane bio-macromolecules

This review examines some recent applications of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to biopolymers, while mainly focusing on membrane protein studies. Initially, we discuss the lateral diffusion of membrane proteins, as measured by FRAP. Then, we talk about the use of FRAP to probe interactions between membrane proteins by obtaining fundamental information such as geometry and stoichiometry of the interacting complex. Afterwards, we discuss some applications of FRAP at the cellular level as well as the level of organisms. We conclude by comparing diffusion coefficients obtained by FRAP and several other alternative methods.

Requirement for ergosterol in V-ATPase function underlies antifungal activity of azole drugs

Ergosterol is an important constituent of fungal membranes. Azoles inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis, although the cellular basis for their antifungal activity is not understood. We used multiple approaches to demonstrate a critical requirement for ergosterol in vacuolar H(+)-ATPase function, which is known to be essential for fungal virulence. Ergosterol biosynthesis mutants of S. cerevisiae failed to acidify the vacuole and exhibited multiple vma(-) phenotypes. Extraction of ergosterol from vacuolar membranes also inactivated V-ATPase without disrupting membrane association of its subdomains. In both S. cerevisiae and the fungal pathogen C. albicans, fluconazole impaired vacuolar acidification, whereas concomitant ergosterol feeding restored V-ATPase function and cell growth. Furthermore, fluconazole exacerbated cytosolic Ca(2+) and H(+) surges triggered by the antimicrobial agent amiodarone, and impaired Ca(2+) sequestration in purified vacuolar vesicles. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the synergy between azoles and amiodarone observed in vitro. Moreover, we show the clinical potential of this synergy in treatment of systemic fungal infections using a murine model of Candidiasis. In summary, we demonstrate a new regulatory component in fungal V-ATPase function, a novel role for ergosterol in vacuolar ion homeostasis, a plausible cellular mechanism for azole toxicity in fungi, and preliminary in vivo evidence for synergism between two antifungal agents. New insights into the cellular basis of azole toxicity in fungi may broaden therapeutic regimens for patient populations afflicted with systemic fungal infections.

Close encounters of the oily kind: regulation of transporters by lipids

Neurotransmitter transporters are membrane proteins that serve as key regulators of extracellular neurotransmitter concentrations and have been long viewed as important targets for drug development by the pharmaceutical industry. Although many cellular signaling systems are known to modulate transport activity, much less is known about how transporters communicate with and are regulated by the various components of the lipid sea in which they reside. Variations in lipid content clearly affect the activity of a variety of transport systems, and with advances in techniques for lipid analysis and a clearer vision of carrier structure, this area of research appears poised for major advances.

Alterations in detergent-resistant plasma membrane microdomains in Arabidopsis thaliana during cold acclimation

Microdomains in the plasma membrane (PM) have been proposed to be involved in many important cellular events in plant cells. To understand the role of PM microdomains in plant cold acclimation, we isolated the microdomains as detergent-resistant plasma membrane fractions (DRMs) from Arabidopsis seedlings and compared lipid and protein compositions before and after cold acclimation. The DRM was enriched in sterols and glucocerebrosides, and the proportion of free sterols in the DRM increased after cold acclimation. The protein-to-lipid ratio in the DRM was greater than that in the total PM fraction. The protein amount recovered in DRMs decreased gradually during cold acclimation. Cold acclimation further resulted in quantitative changes in DRM protein profiles. Subsequent mass spectrometry and Western blot analyses revealed that P-type H(+)-ATPases, aquaporins and endocytosis-related proteins increased and, conversely, tubulins, actins and V-type H(+)-ATPase subunits decreased in DRMs during cold acclimation. Functional categorization of cold-responsive proteins in DRMs suggests that plant PM microdomains function as platforms of membrane transport, membrane trafficking and cytoskeleton interaction. These comprehensive changes in microdomains may be associated with cold acclimation of Arabidopsis.

Hydrophobic thickness, lipid surface area and polar region hydration in monounsaturated diacylphosphatidylcholine bilayers: SANS study of effects of cholesterol and beta-sitosterol in unilamellar vesicles

The influence of a mammalian sterol cholesterol and a plant sterol beta-sitosterol on the structural parameters and hydration of bilayers in unilamellar vesicles made of monounsaturated diacylphosphatidylcholines (diCn:1PC, n=14-22 is the even number of acyl chain carbons) was studied at 30 degrees C using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Recently published advanced model of lipid bilayer as a three-strip structure was used with a triangular shape of polar head group probability distribution (Kucerka et al., Models to analyze small-angle neutron scattering from unilamellar lipid vesicles, Physical Review E 69 (2004) Art. No. 051903). It was found that 33 mol% of both sterols increased the thickness of diCn:1PC bilayers with n=18-22 similarly. beta-sitosterol increased the thickness of diC14:1PC and diC16:1PC bilayers a little more than cholesterol. Both sterols increased the surface area per unit cell by cca 12 A(2) and the number of water molecules located in the head group region by cca 4 molecules, irrespective to the acyl chain length of diCn:1PC. The structural difference in the side chain between cholesterol and beta-sitosterol plays a negligible role in influencing the structural parameters of bilayers studied.

The association of Na,K-ATPase subunits studied by circular dichroism, surface tension and dilatational elasticity

Different stoichiometries are observed between alpha and beta subunits of Na,K-ATPase that depend on the method employed to solubilize and purify the enzyme. It is not known whether this variability is due to loss of protein-protein association, or is a result of the replacement of essential phospholipids by detergent molecules. With the aim of understanding the effect of enzyme/surfactant ratio on both the catalytic activity and the enzyme structure, we have investigated the bulk and surface properties of the enzyme. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra, surface tension and dilatational surface elasticity results were compared with the residual ATPase activity of the Na,K-ATPase in different surfactant and protein concentrations. Na,K-ATPase in the (alphabeta)(2) form dissociated to the alphabeta form on dilution, and associated to the (alphabeta)(4) form when concentrated. These different stoichiometries have similar ATPase activities and are in equilibrium at C(12)E(8) concentrations below the CMC (0.053 mg mL(-1)). At detergent concentrations above the CMC the ATPase activity of all forms was abolished, which is concomitant with the dissociation of the alpha and beta subunits.

The effect of cholesterol on short- and long-chain monounsaturated lipid bilayers as determined by molecular dynamics simulations and X-ray scattering

We investigate the structure of cholesterol-containing membranes composed of either short-chain (diC14:1PC) or long-chain (diC22:1PC) monounsaturated phospholipids. Bilayer structural information is derived from all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, which are validated via direct comparison to x-ray scattering experiments. We show that the addition of 40 mol % cholesterol results in a nearly identical increase in the thickness of the two different bilayers. In both cases, the chain ordering dominates over the hydrophobic matching between the length of the cholesterol molecule and the hydrocarbon thickness of the bilayer, which one would expect to cause a thinning of the diC22:1PC bilayer. For both bilayers there is substantial headgroup rearrangement for lipids directly in contact with cholesterol, supporting the so-called umbrella model. Importantly, in diC14:1PC bilayers, a dynamic network of hydrogen bonds stabilizes long-lived reorientations of some cholesterol molecules, during which they are found to lie perpendicular to the bilayer normal, deep within the bilayer's hydrophobic core. Additionally, the simulations show that the diC14:1PC bilayer is significantly more permeable to water. These differences may be correlated with faster cholesterol flip-flop between the leaflets of short-chain lipid bilayers, resulting in an asymmetric distribution of cholesterol molecules. This asymmetry was observed experimentally in a case of unilamellar vesicles (ULVs), and reproduced through a set of novel asymmetric simulations. In contrast to ULVs, experimental data for oriented multilamellar stacks does not show the asymmetry, suggesting that it results from the curvature of the ULV bilayers.

Molecular simulations of lipid-mediated protein-protein interactions

Recent experimental results revealed that lipid-mediated interactions due to hydrophobic forces may be important in determining the protein topology after insertion in the membrane, in regulating the protein activity, in protein aggregation and in signal transduction. To gain insight into the lipid-mediated interactions between two intrinsic membrane proteins, we developed a mesoscopic model of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins, which we studied with dissipative particle dynamics. Our calculations of the potential of mean force between transmembrane proteins show that hydrophobic forces drive long-range protein-protein interactions and that the nature of these interactions depends on the length of the protein hydrophobic segment, on the three-dimensional structure of the protein and on the properties of the lipid bilayer. To understand the nature of the computed potentials of mean force, the concept of hydrophilic shielding is introduced. The observed protein interactions are interpreted as resulting from the dynamic reorganization of the system to maintain an optimal hydrophilic shielding of the protein and lipid hydrophobic parts, within the constraint of the flexibility of the components. Our results could lead to a better understanding of several membrane processes in which protein interactions are involved.

Energetics of hydrophobic matching in lipid-protein interactions

Lipid chain length modulates the activity of transmembrane proteins by mismatch between the hydrophobic span of the protein and that of the lipid membrane. Relative binding affinities of lipids with different chain lengths are used to estimate the excess free energy of lipid-protein interaction that arises from hydrophobic mismatch. For a wide range of integral proteins and peptides, the energy cost is much less than the elastic penalty of fully stretching or compressing the lipid chains to achieve complete hydrophobic matching. The chain length dependences of the free energies of lipid association are described by a model that combines elastic chain extension with a free energy term that depends linearly on the extent of residual mismatch. The excess free energy densities involved lie in the region of 0.5-2.0 k(B)T x nm(-2). Values of this size could arise from exposure of hydrophobic groups to polar portions of the lipid or protein, but not directly to water, or alternatively from changes in tilt of the transmembrane helices that are energetically comparable to those activating mechanosensitive channels. The influence of hydrophobic mismatch on dimerization of transmembrane helices and their transfer between lipid vesicles, and on shifts in chain-melting transitions of lipid bilayers by incorporated proteins, is analyzed by using the same thermodynamic model. Segmental order parameters confirm that elastic lipid chain distortions are insufficient to compensate fully for the mismatch, but the dependence on chain length with tryptophan-anchored peptides requires that the free energy density of hydrophobic mismatch should increase with increasing extent of mismatch.

Effect of thyroid hormone on the distribution and activity of Na, K-ATPase in ventricular myocardium

Employing detergent-free sucrose-density gradient fractionation method we isolated cholesterol-rich lighter membrane fractions containing approximately 10% of protein, approximately 30% of cholesterol in membranes of ventricular myocardium. Cholesterol-rich lighter membrane fractions contain >70% of Na, K-ATPase and caveolins 1 and 3 and <10% of beta-actin. Treatment of hypothyroid rats with T(3) increased the relative abundance of both alpha1 and beta1 Na, K-ATPase subunits in total membranes by 4- to 5-fold (with no change in caveolin-3), and resulted in 1.9-fold increase in enzyme activity. T(3)-induced Na, K-ATPase subunits were preferentially distributed to the lighter fractions (#s 4, 5 and 6); and increased abundance of alpha1 and beta1 were 34-70% and 43-68%, respectively. We conclude that the activity of Na, K-ATPase is not uniform in cardiac membranes, and while a significant amount of Na, K-ATPase is present in cardiac cholesterol-rich membrane fractions, the intrinsic activity is significantly less than the enzyme present in relatively cholesterol-poor membranes.

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) traffics to apical membrane in lipid rafts in mouse cortical collecting duct cells

We previously showed that ENaC is present in lipid rafts in A6 cells, a Xenopus kidney cell line. We now demonstrate that ENaC can be detected in lipid rafts in mouse cortical collecting duct ((MPK)CCD(14)) cells by detergent insolubility, buoyancy on density gradients using two distinct approaches, and colocalization with caveolin 1. Less than 30% of ENaC subunits were found in raft fractions. The channel subunits also colocalized on sucrose gradients with known vesicle targeting and fusion proteins syntaxin 1A, Vamp 2, and SNAP23. Hormonal stimulation of ENaC activity by either forskolin or aldosterone, short or long term, did not alter the lipid raft distribution of ENaC. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin added apically to (MPK)CCD(14) cells resulted in a slow decline in amiloride-sensitive sodium transport with short circuit current reductions of 38.1 +/- 9.6% after 60 min. The slow decline in ENaC activity in response to apical cyclodextrin was identical to the rate of decline seen when protein synthesis was inhibited by cycloheximide. Apical biotinylation of (MPK)CCD(14) cells confirmed the loss of ENaC at the cell surface following cyclodextrin treatment. Acute stimulation of the recycling pool of ENaC was unaffected by apical cyclodextrin application. Expression of dominant negative caveolin isoforms (CAV1-eGFP and CAV3-DGV) which disrupt caveolae, reduced basal ENaC currents by 72.3 and 78.2%, respectively; but, as with cyclodextrin, the acute response to forskolin was unaffected. We conclude that ENaC is present in and regulated by lipid rafts. The data are consistent with a model in which rafts mediate the constitutive apical delivery of ENaC.

Transmission of binding information across lipid bilayers

A synthetic transmembrane receptor that is capable of transmitting binding information across a lipid bilayer membrane is reported. The binding event is based on aggregation of the receptor triggered by copper(II) complexation to ethylenediamine functionalities. By labelling the receptor with fluorescent dansyl groups, the copper(II) binding event could be monitored by measuring the extent of fluorescence quenching. Comparing the receptor with a control receptor lacking the transmembrane linkage revealed that the transmembrane receptor binds copper(II) ions more tightly than the non-spanning control receptor at low copper(II) concentrations. Since the intrinsic binding to copper(II) is the same for both receptors, this effect was attributed to synergy between the connected interior and exterior binding sides of the transmembrane receptor. Thus, this is the first reported artificial signalling event in which binding of a messenger on one side of the membrane leads to a cooperative binding event on the opposite side of the membrane, resembling biological signalling systems and helping us to get a better understanding of the requirements for more effective artificial signalling systems.

Bilayer polarity and its thermal dependency in the l(o) and l(d) phases of binary phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol mixtures

Diverse variations in membrane properties are observed in binary phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol mixtures. These mixtures are nonideal, displaying single or phase coexistence, depending on chemical composition and other thermodynamic parameters. When compared with pure phospholipid bilayers, there are changes in water permeability, bilayer thickness and thermomechanical properties, molecular packing and conformational freedom of phospholipid acyl chains, in internal dipolar potential and in lipid lateral diffusion. Based on the phase diagrams for DMPC/cholesterol and DPPC/cholesterol, we compare the equivalent polarity of pure bilayers with specific compositions of these mixtures, by using the Py empirical scale of polarity. Besides the contrast between pure and mixed lipid bilayers, we find that liquid-ordered (l(o)) and liquid-disordered (l(d)) phases display significantly different polarities. Moreover, in the l(o) phase, the polarities of bilayers and their thermal dependences vary with the chemical composition, showing noteworthy differences for cholesterol proportions at 35, 40, and 45 mol%. At 20 degrees C, for DMPC/cholesterol at 35 and 45 mol%, the equivalent dielectric constants are 21.8 and 23.8, respectively. Additionally, we illustrate potential implications of polarity in various membrane-based processes and reactions, proposing that for cholesterol containing bilayers, it may also go along with the occurrence of lateral heterogeneity in biological membranes.

Structure of membrane-embedded M13 major coat protein is insensitive to hydrophobic stress

The structure of a membrane-embedded alpha-helical reference protein, the M13 major coat protein, is characterized under different conditions of hydrophobic mismatch using fluorescence resonance energy transfer in combination with high-throughput mutagenesis. We show that the structure is similar in both thin (14:1) and thick (20:1) phospholipid bilayers, indicating that the protein does not undergo large structural rearrangements in response to conditions of hydrophobic mismatch. We introduce a "helical fingerprint" analysis, showing that amino acid residues 1-9 are unstructured in both phospholipid bilayers. Our findings indicate the presence of pi-helical domains in the transmembrane segment of the protein; however, no evidence is found for a structural adaptation to the degree of hydrophobic mismatch. In light of current literature, and based on our data, we conclude that aggregation (at high protein concentration) and adjustment of the tilt angle and the lipid structure are the dominant responses to conditions of hydrophobic mismatch.

Biostimulation of Na,K-ATPase by low-energy laser irradiation (685 nm, 35 mW): comparative effects in membrane, solubilized and DPPC:DPPE-liposome reconstituted enzyme

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of low-energy laser irradiation (685 nm, 35 mW) on the ATPase activity of the different forms of the Na,K-ATPase.

METHODS

Membrane-bound and solubilized (alphabeta)(2) form of Na,K-ATPase was obtained from the dark red outer medulla of the kidney and proteoliposomes of DPPC:DPPE and Na,K-ATPase was prepared by the co-solubilization method. Irradiations were carried out at 685 nm using an InGaAIP diode laser.

RESULTS

The ATPase activity of the membrane fraction was not altered with exposition to irradiation doses between 4 and 24 J/cm(2). However, with irradiation doses ranging from 32 to 40 J/cm(2), a 28% increase on the ATPase activity was observed while when using up to 50 J/cm(2) no additional enhancement was observed. When biostimulation was done using the solubilized and purified enzyme or the DPPC:DPPE-liposome reconstituted enzyme, an increase of about 36-40% on the ATPase activity was observed using only 4-8 J/cm(2). With irradiation above these values (24 J/cm(2)) no additional increase in the activity was observed. These studies revealed that the biostimulation of ATPase activity from different forms of the Na,K-ATPase is dose dependent in different ranges of irradiation exposure. The stimulation promoted by visible laser doses was modulated and the process was reverted after 2 h for the enzyme present in the membrane and after about 5 h for the solubilized or the reconstituted in DPPC:DPPE-liposomes.

Influence of cholesterol on the bilayer properties of monounsaturated phosphatidylcholine unilamellar vesicles

The influence of cholesterol on the structure of unilamellar-vesicle (ULV) phospholipid bilayers is studied using small-angle neutron scattering. ULVs made up of short-, mid- and long-chain monounsaturated phospholipids (diCn :1PC, n = 14 , 18, 22, respectively) are examined over a range (0-45 mol %) of cholesterol concentrations. Cholesterol's effect on bilayer structure is characterized through changes to the lipid's transmembrane thickness, lateral area and headgroup hydration. For all three lipids, analysis of the experimental data shows that the addition of cholesterol results in a monotonic increase of these parameters. In the case of the short- and mid-chain lipids, this is an expected result, however, such a finding was unexpected for the long-chain lipid. This implies that cholesterol has a pronounced effect on the lipid's hydrocarbon chain organization.

Orientational polarisability of lipid membrane surfaces

Here we present a fluorescence method based on the Stokes shift of the voltage-sensitive dye di-8-ANEPPS to quantify the orientational polarisability of lipid membrane surfaces, i.e. the polarisability due to molecular reorientation. Di-8-ANEPPS is already an established probe of membrane dipole potential. Its use, therefore, as a probe of both the dipole potential and orientational polarisability allows a direct comparison of these two properties in an identical region of the lipid bilayer. We applied the new technique on phosphatidylcholine vesicles to study the effects of different degrees of hydrocarbon saturation and of the incorporation of cholesterol and some of its oxidized derivatives. We found that lipids with unsaturated chains had a lower orientational polarisability than those with saturated chains. This could be explained by a reduction in membrane dipole potential as a result of a decrease in lipid packing density. Cholesterol derivatives were found to either increase or decrease the orientational polarisability depending on their molecular structure. The varying effects could be explained by antagonistic effects of the dipole potential and membrane order, which are both changed to varying degrees by the cholesterol derivatives and which lead to increases and decreases in orientational polarisability, respectively.

Single-molecule methods for monitoring changes in bilayer elastic properties

Membrane-spanning proteins perturb the organization and dynamics of the adjacent bilayer lipids. For example, when the hydrophobic length (l) of a bilayer-spanning protein differs from the average thickness (d0) of the host bilayer, the bilayer thickness will vary locally in the vicinity of the protein in order to "match" the length of the protein's hydrophobic exterior to the thickness of the bilayer hydrophobic core. Such bilayer deformations incur an energetic cost, the bilayer deformation energy (DeltaG0def), which will vary as a function of the protein shape, the protein-bilayer hydrophobic mismatch (d0 - l), the lipid bilayer elastic properties, and the lipid intrinsic curvature (c0). Thus, if the membrane protein conformational changes underlying protein function involve the protein/bilayer interface, the ensuing changes in DeltaG0def (DeltaDeltaG0def) will contribute to the overall free-energy change of the conformational changes (DeltaG0tot)-meaning that the host lipid bilayer will modulate protein function. For a given protein, (DeltaDeltaG0def) varies as a function of the bilayer geometric properties (thickness and intrinsic curvature) and the elastic (bending and compression) moduli, which vary as a function of changes in lipid composition or with the adsorption of amphiphiles at the bilayer/solution interface. To understand how changes in bilayer properties modulate the function of bilayer-spanning proteins, single-molecule methods have been developed to probe changes in bilayer elastic properties using gramicidins as molecular force transducers. Different approaches to measuring the deformation energy are described: (1) measurements of changes in channel lifetimes and appearance rates as the lipid bilayer thickness or channel length are varied, (2) measurements of the equilibrium distribution among channels of different lengths, formed by homo- and heterodimers between gramicidin subunits of different lengths, and (3) measurements of the ratio of the appearance rates of heterodimer channels relative to parent homodimer channels formed by gramicidin subunits of different lengths.

Functional reconstitution of the integral membrane enzyme, isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase, in synthetic bolalipid membrane vesicles

Three bipolar archaeal-type diglycerophosphocholine tetraether lipids (also known as bolalipids) have been prepared to determine (1) the influence of molecular structure on the physical properties of bolalipid membranes and (2) their impact on the functional reconstitution of Ste14p, a membrane-associated isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Three bolalipids were synthesized: C20BAS, C32BAS, and C32phytBAS. These bolalipid structures differ in that the C20BAS derivative has a short sn-1 glyceryl diether C20H40 transmembrane alkyl chain and two ether-linked sn-2 n-decyl chains, whereas the C32BAS and C32phytBAS derivatives have a longer sn-1 diether C32H64 membrane-spanning chain and two ether-linked sn-2 n-hexadecyl or phytanyl chains, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry and temperature-dependent 31P NMR was used to determine the gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition temperatures of the bolalipids (C32BAS Tm > 85 degrees C; C32phytBAS Tm = 14 degrees C; and C20BAS Tm = 17 degrees C). The bolalipid lateral diffusion coefficients, determined by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching at 25 degrees C, were 1.5 x 10(-8) and 1.8 x 10(-9) cm2/s for C20BAS and C32phytBAS, respectively. The mobility of C32BAS could not be measured at this temperature. Ste14p activity was monitored by an in vitro methyltransferase assay in reconstituted vesicle dispersions composed of DMPC, C20BAS/E. coli polar lipid, C20BAS/POPC, C32phytBAS/E. coli polar lipid, and C32phytBAS/POPC. Ste14p activity was lost in vesicles composed of 75-100 mol % C20BAS and 0-100 mol % C32BAS but retained in vesicles with 0-50 mol % C20BAS and 0-100 mol % C32phytBAS. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed the presence of Ste14p in 100 mol % C20BAS and 100 mol % C32phytBAS vesicle dispersions, even though the lamellar liquid crystalline phase thickness of C20BAS is only 32 A. Because Ste14p activity was not affected by either the gel-to-liquid-crystal phase transition temperature of the lipid or the temperature of the assay, the low activity observed in 75-100 mol % C20BAS membranes can be attributed to hydrophobic mismatch between this bolalipid and the hydrophobic surface of Ste14p.

Disruption of endoplasmic reticulum structure and integrity in lipotoxic cell death

Cell dysfunction and death induced by lipid accumulation in nonadipose tissues, or lipotoxicity, may contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanisms leading to lipotoxic cell death are poorly understood. We recently reported that, in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, lipid overload induced by incubation with 500 muM palmitate leads to intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which subsequently induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cell death. Here, we show that palmitate also impairs ER function through a more direct mechanism. Palmitate was rapidly incorporated into saturated phospholipid and triglyceride species in microsomal membranes of CHO cells. The resulting membrane remodeling was associated with dramatic dilatation of the ER and redistribution of protein-folding chaperones to the cytosol within 5 h, indicating compromised ER membrane integrity. Increasing beta-oxidation, through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, decreased palmitate incorporation into microsomes, decreased the escape of chaperones to the cytosol, and decreased subsequent caspase activation and cell death. Thus, palmitate rapidly increases the saturated lipid content of the ER, leading to compromised ER morphology and integrity, suggesting that impairment of the structure and function of this organelle is involved in the cellular response to fatty acid overload.

Atp8b1 deficiency in mice reduces resistance of the canalicular membrane to hydrophobic bile salts and impairs bile salt transport

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 (PFIC1, Byler disease, OMIM 211600) is a severe inherited liver disease caused by mutations in ATP8B1. ATP8B1 is a member of the type 4 subfamily of P-type ATPases, which are phospholipid flippases. PFIC1 patients generally develop end-stage liver disease before the second decade of life. The disease is characterized by impaired biliary bile salt excretion, but the mechanism whereby impaired ATP8B1 function results in cholestasis is unclear. In a mouse model for PFIC1, we observed decreased resistance of the hepatocanalicular membrane to hydrophobic bile salts as evidenced by enhanced biliary recovery of phosphatidylserine, cholesterol, and ectoenzymes. In liver specimens from PFIC1 patients, but not in those from control subjects, ectoenzyme expression at the canalicular membrane was markedly deficient. In isolated mouse livers Atp8b1 deficiency impaired the transport of hydrophobic bile salts into bile. In conclusion, our study shows that Atp8b1 deficiency causes loss of canalicular phospholipid membrane asymmetry that in turn renders the canalicular membrane less resistant toward hydrophobic bile salts. The loss of phospholipid asymmetry may subsequently impair bile salt transport and cause cholestasis.

Cholesterol effect on the dipole potential of lipid membranes

The effect of cholesterol removal by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin on the dipole potential, psi(d), of membrane vesicles composed of natural membrane lipids extracted from the kidney and brain of eight vertebrate species was investigated using the voltage-sensitive fluorescent probe di-8-ANEPPS. Cyclodextrin treatment reduced cholesterol levels by on average 80% and this was associated with an average reduction in psi(d) of 50 mV. Measurements of the effect of a range of cholesterol derivatives on the psi(d) of DMPC lipid vesicles showed that the magnitude of the effect correlated with the component of the sterol's dipole moment perpendicular to the membrane surface. The changes in psi(d) observed could not be accounted for solely by the electric field originating from the sterols' dipole moments. Additional factors must arise from sterol-induced changes in lipid packing, which changes the density of dipoles in the membrane, and changes in water penetration into the membrane, which changes the effective dielectric constant of the interfacial region. In DMPC membranes, the cholesterol-induced change in psi(d) was biphasic, i.e., a maximum in psi(d) was observed at approximately 35-45 mol %, after which psi(d) started to decrease. We suggest that this could be associated with a maximum in the strength of DMPC-cholesterol intermolecular forces at this composition.

Lipid-protein interactions with the Na,K-ATPase

Studies of lipid interactions with membranous Na,K-ATPase by using electron spin resonance spectroscopy in conjunction with spin-labelled lipids are reviewed. The lipid stoichiometry, selectivity and exchange dynamics at the lipid-protein interface can be determined, in addition to information on the configuration and rotational dynamics of the protein-associated lipid chains. These parameters, particularly the stoichiometry and selectivity, are related directly to the intramembranous structure of the Na,K-ATPase, and can be used to check the integrity of extensively trypsinised preparations.

Kinetics behaviors of Na,K-ATPase: comparison of solubilized and DPPC:DPPE-liposome reconstituted enzyme

We describe and compare the main kinetic characteristics of rabbit kidney Na,K-ATPase incorporated inside-out in DPPC:DPPE-liposomes with the C(12)E(8) solubilized and purified form. In proteoliposomes, we observed that the ATP hydrolysis of the enzyme is favored and also its affinity for Na(+)-binding sites increases, keeping the negative cooperativity with two classes of hydrolysis sites: one of high affinity (K(0.5)=6 microM and 4 microM for reconstituted enzyme and purified form, respectively) and another of low affinity (K(0.5)=0.4 mM and 1.4 mM for reconstituted enzyme and purified form, respectively). Our data showed a biphasic curve for ATP hydrolysis, suggesting the presence of (alphabeta)(2) oligomer in reconstituted Na,K-ATPase similar to the solubilized enzyme. The Mg(2+) concentration dependence in the proteoliposomes stimulated the Na,K-ATPase activity up to 476 U/mg with a K(0.5) value of 0.4 mM. The Na(+) ions also presented a single saturation curve with V(M)=551 U/mg and K(0.5)=0.2 mM with cooperative effects. The activity was also stimulated by K(+) ions through a single curve of saturation sites (K(0.5)=2.8 mM), with cooperative effects and V(M)=641 U/mg. The lipid microenvironment close to the proteic structure and the K(+) internal to the liposome has a key role in enzyme regulation, affecting its kinetic parameters while it can also modulate the enzyme's affinity for substrate and ions.

Chilling-injury and disturbance of ion homeostasis in the coxal muscle of the tropical cockroach (Nauphoeta cinerea)

Adults of warm- and cold-acclimated tropical cockroaches, Nauphoeta cinerea were exposed to low temperatures of 0 or 5 degrees C for various time intervals (hours to days). Development of chilling-injury (defects in crawling and uncoordinated movements) and mortality during the exposure were assessed and correlated with the changes in concentrations of metal ions (Na(+), K(+) and Mg(2+)) in the haemolymph and coxal muscle tissue. Warm-acclimated insects entered chill-coma at both low temperatures. In their haemolymph, the [Na(+)] and [Mg(2+)] linearly decreased and [K(+)] increased with the increasing time of exposure. The rate of concentration changes was higher at 0 than at 5 degrees C. The concentration changes resulted in gradually dissipating equilibrium potentials across the muscle cell membranes. For instance, E(K) decreased from -49.8 to -20.7 mV during 7 days at 5 degrees C. Such a disturbance of ion homeostasis was paralleled by the gradual development of chilling-injury and mortality. Most of the cockroaches showed chilling-injury when the molar ratio of [Na(+)]/[K(+)] in their haemolymph decreased from an initial of 4.4 to 2.1-2.5. In contrast, the cold-acclimated cockroaches did not enter chill-coma. They maintained constant concentrations of ions in their haemolymph, constant equilibrium potentials across muscle cell membranes and the development of chilling-injury was significantly suppressed at 5 degrees C for 7 days.