Interaction between sodium dodecyl sulfate and membrane reconstituted aquaporins: A comparative study of spinach SoPIP2;1 and E. coli AqpZ

Functional regulation of aquaporin dynamics by lipid bilayer composition

With the diversity of lipid-protein interactions, any observed membrane protein dynamics or functions directly depend on the lipid bilayer selection. However, the implications of lipid bilayer choice are seldom considered unless characteristic lipid-protein interactions have been previously reported. Using molecular dynamics simulation, we characterize the effects of membrane embedding on plant aquaporin SoPIP2;1, which has no reported high-affinity lipid interactions. The regulatory impacts of a realistic lipid bilayer, and nine different homogeneous bilayers, on varying SoPIP2;1 dynamics are examined. We demonstrate that SoPIP2;1's structure, thermodynamics, kinetics, and water transport are altered as a function of each membrane construct's ensemble properties. Notably, the realistic bilayer provides stabilization of non-functional SoPIP2;1 metastable states. Hydrophobic mismatch and lipid order parameter calculations further explain how lipid ensemble properties manipulate SoPIP2;1 behavior. Our results illustrate the importance of careful bilayer selection when studying membrane proteins. To this end, we advise cautionary measures when performing membrane protein molecular dynamics simulations.

Optimization of detergents in solubilization and reconstitution of Aquaporin Z: A structural approach

BACKGROUND

The exceptional capacities of aquaporins in terms of water permeation and selectivity have made them an interesting system for membrane applications. Despite the multiple attempts for immobilizing the aquaporins over a porous substrate, there is a lack of studies related to the purification and reconstitution steps, principally associated with the use of detergents in solubilization and destabilization steps. This study analyzed the effect of detergents in Aquaporin Z solubilization, considering the purity and structural homogeneity of the protein.

METHODS

The extraction process was optimized by the addition of detergent at the sonication step, which enabled the omission of the ultracentrifugation and resuspension steps. Two detergents, Triton X-100, and octyl-glucoside were also evaluated. Destabilization mediated by detergents was used as reconstitution method. Saturation and solubilization points were defined by detergent concentration and both, liposomes and proteoliposomes, were analyzed by size distribution and permeability assays. Detergent removal with Bio-beads was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Octyl glucoside ensures structural stability and homogeneity of Aquaporin Z. However, high concentrations of detergents induce the presence of defects in proteoliposomes. While saturated liposomes create homogeneous and functional structures, solubilized liposomes get affected by a reassembly process, creating vesicle defects with anomalous permeability profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Detergent concentration affects the structural conformation of proteoliposomes in the reconstitution process.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Since the destabilization process is dependent on vesicle, detergent, and buffer composition, optimization of this process should be mandatory for further studies. All these considerations will allow achieving the potential of Aquaporins and any other integral membrane protein in their applications for industrial purposes.

Surfactant-Assisted Purification of Hydrophobic DNA Nanostructures

Purification of functional DNA nanostructures is an essential step in achieving intended functions because misfolded structures and the remaining free DNA strands in a solution can interact and affect their behavior. However, due to hydrophobicity-mediated aggregation, it is difficult to purify DNA nanostructures modified with hydrophobic molecules by conventional methods. Herein, we report the purification of cholesterol-modified DNA nanostructures by using a novel surfactant-assisted gel extraction. The addition of sodium cholate (SC) to the sample solution before structure folding prevented aggregation; this was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. We also found that adding sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to the sample inhibited structural folding. The cholesterol-modified DNA nanostructures prepared with SC were successfully purified by gel extraction, and their ability to bind to the lipid membrane surfaces was maintained. This method will facilitate the purification of DNA nanostructures modified with hydrophobic molecules and expand their applicability in the construction of artificial cell-like systems.

Optimization of Aquaporin Loading for Performance Enhancement of Aquaporin-Based Biomimetic Thin-Film Composite Membranes

The aquaporin-based biomimetic thin-film composite membrane (ABM-TFC) has demonstrated superior separation performance and achieved successful commercialization. The larger-scale production of the ABM membrane requires an appropriate balance between the performance and manufacturing cost. This study has systematically investigated the effects of proteoliposome concentration, protein-to-lipid ratio, as well as the additive on the separation performance of ABM for the purpose of finding the optimal preparation conditions for the ABM from the perspective of industrial production. Although increasing the proteoliposome concentration or protein-to-lipid ratio within a certain range could significantly enhance the water permeability of ABMs by increasing the loading of aquaporins in the selective layer, the enhancement effect was marginal or even compromised beyond an optimal point. Alternatively, adding cholesterol in the proteoliposome could further enhance the water flux of the ABM membrane, with minor effects on the salt rejection. The optimized ABM not only achieved a nearly doubled water flux with unchanged salt rejection compared to the control, but also demonstrated satisfactory filtration stability within a wide range of operation temperatures. This study provides a practical strategy for the optimization of ABM-TFC membranes to fit within the scheme of industrial-scale production.

Photophysical Properties of BADAN Revealed in the Study of GGBP Structural Transitions

The fluorescent dye BADAN (6-bromoacetyl-2-dimetylaminonaphtalene) is widely used in various fields of life sciences, however, the photophysical properties of BADAN are not fully understood. The study of the spectral properties of BADAN attached to a number of mutant forms of GGBP, as well as changes in its spectral characteristics during structural changes in proteins, allowed to shed light on the photophysical properties of BADAN. It was shown that spectral properties of BADAN are determined by at least one non-fluorescent and two fluorescent isomers with overlapping absorbing bands. It was found that BADAN fluorescence is determined by the unsolvated "PICT" (planar intramolecular charge transfer state) and solvated "TICT" (twisted intramolecular charge transfer state) excited states. While "TICT" state can be formed both as a result of the "PICT" state solvation and as a result of light absorption by the solvated ground state of the dye. BADAN fluorescence linked to GGBP/H152C apoform is quenched by Trp 183, but this effect is inhibited by glucose intercalation. New details of the changes in the spectral characteristics of BADAN during the unfolding of the protein apo and holoforms have been obtained.

Performance evaluation of interfacial polymerisation-fabricated aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes in forward osmosis

Aquaporins play a promising role in the fabrication of high-performance biomimetic membranes. Interfacial polymerisation is a promising strategy for synthesizing aquaporin-based membranes. In this study, robust and high-performance aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes were successfully fabricated by interfacial polymerisation, and the membrane separation performance and interfacial polymerisation method were systematically evaluated. The effects of modification methods on the performance of aquaporins-based biomimetic membranes, including sodium hypochlorite and thermal post-treatment, protein-to-lipid ratio, liposome concentration and the addition arrangement of aquaporins were also investigated. Morphological observation suggested that the introduced proteoliposomes were completely embedded in the polyamide layer and that their spherical shape was preserved. Sodium hypochlorite post-treatment and thermal treatment were beneficial in improving the water flux and salt rejection of the resultant membrane without sacrificing the aquaporin activity. The biomimetic membranes had a high water flux and salt rejection, which were almost twice that of the control membranes, after aquaporin-based proteoliposomes were incorporated with an appropriated protein-to-lipid ratio and liposome concentration. The addition arrangement of aquaporins during the interfacial polymerisation procedure significantly influence the obtained membrane's structure. Lastly, this article introduces valuable and systematic research on interfacial polymerisation fabricated aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes with outstanding separation performance.

Aquaporins play a promising role in the fabrication of high-performance biomimetic membranes.

Aquaporin-Based Biomimetic Polymeric Membranes: Approaches and Challenges

In recent years, aquaporin biomimetic membranes (ABMs) for water separation have gained considerable interest. Although the first ABMs are commercially available, there are still many challenges associated with further ABM development. Here, we discuss the interplay of the main components of ABMs: aquaporin proteins (AQPs), block copolymers for AQP reconstitution, and polymer-based supporting structures. First, we briefly cover challenges and review recent developments in understanding the interplay between AQP and block copolymers. Second, we review some experimental characterization methods for investigating AQP incorporation including freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, stopped-flow light scattering, and small-angle X-ray scattering. Third, we focus on recent efforts in embedding reconstituted AQPs in membrane designs that are based on conventional thin film interfacial polymerization techniques. Finally, we describe some new developments in interfacial polymerization using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane cages for increasing the physical and chemical durability of thin film composite membranes.

Folding and stability of the aquaglyceroporin GlpF: Implications for human aqua(glycero)porin diseases

Aquaporins are highly selective polytopic transmembrane channel proteins that facilitate the permeation of water across cellular membranes in a large diversity of organisms. Defects in aquaporin function are associated with common diseases, such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, congenital cataract and certain types of cancer. In general, aquaporins have a highly conserved structure; from prokaryotes to humans. The conserved structure, together with structural dynamics and the structural framework for substrate selectivity is discussed. The folding pathway of aquaporins has been a topic of several studies in recent years. These studies revealed that a conserved protein structure can be reached by following different folding pathways. Based on the available data, we suggest a complex folding pathway for aquaporins, starting from the insertion of individual helices up to the formation of the tetrameric aquaporin structure. The consequences of some known mutations in human aquaporin-encoding genes, which most likely affect the folding and stability of human aquaporins, are discussed.

Multiscale simulation of surfactant–aquaporin complex formation and water permeability

Molecular dynamics simulation reveals distinctive roles of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in surfactant (SDS)–protein (AqpZ) complex formation and functionality.

Effects of proteoliposome composition and draw solution types on separation performance of aquaporin-based proteoliposomes: implications for seawater desalination using aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes

Aquaporins are a large family of water transport proteins in cell membranes. Their high water permeability and solute rejection make them potential building blocks for high-performance biomimetic membranes for desalination. In the current study, proteoliposomes were prepared using AquaporinZ from Escherichia coli cells, and their separation properties were characterized by stopped-flow measurements. The current study systematically investigated the effect of proteoliposome composition (lipid type, protein-to-lipid ratio (PLR), and the addition of cholesterol) on water permeability and NaCl retention. Among the various lipids investigated, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC)-based proteoliposomes were found to have excellent osmotic water permeability and NaCl reflection coefficient values. Increasing the PLR of DOPC proteoliposomes up to 1:200 increased their osmotic water permeability. However, further increase in the PLR reduced the osmotic water permeability probably due to the occurrence of defects in the proteoliposomes, whereas the addition of cholesterol improved their osmotic water permeation likely due to defects sealing. The current study also investigated the effect of major dissolved ions in seawater (e.g., Mg(2+) and SO(4)(2-)) on the stability of proteoliposomes, and design criteria for aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes are proposed in the context of desalination.

Formation of giant protein vesicles by a lipid cosolvent method

This paper describes a method to create giant protein vesicles (GPVs) of ≥10 μm by solvent-driven fusion of large vesicles (0.1-0.2 μm) with reconstituted membrane proteins. We found that formation of GPVs proceeded from rotational mixing of protein-reconstituted large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) with a lipid-containing solvent phase. We made GPVs by using n-decane and squalene as solvents, and applied generalized polarization (GP) imaging to monitor the polarity around the protein transmembrane region of aquaporins labeled with the polarity-sensitive probe Badan. Specifically, we created GPVs of spinach SoPIP2;1 and E. coli AqpZ aquaporins. Our findings show that hydrophobic interactions within the bilayer of formed GPVs are influenced not only by the solvent partitioning propensity, but also by lipid composition and membrane protein isoform.

An epifluorescence microscopy method for generalized polarization imaging

Generalized polarization (GP) microscopy represents an excellent tool to study lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions in situ and in vitro. Here, we present an efficient and cost effective method to perform GP microscopy using a standard light-emitting diode (LED) epifluorescence microscope equipped with a digital color camera.