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Gamage YI, Pan J. Nanoscale Perturbations of Lipid Bilayers Induced by Magainin 2: Insights from AFM Imaging and Force Spectroscopy. Chem Phys Lipids 2024; 263:105421. [PMID: 39067642 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2024.105421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the impact of the antimicrobial peptide magainin 2 (Mag2) on lipid bilayers with varying compositions. We employed high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) to reveal a dynamic spectrum of structural changes induced by Mag2. Our AFM imaging unveiled distinct structural alterations in zwitterionic POPC bilayers upon Mag2 exposure, notably the formation of nanoscale depressions within the bilayer surface, which we term as "surface pores" to differentiate them from transmembrane pores. These surface pores are characterized by a limited depth that does not appear to fully traverse the bilayer and reach the opposing leaflet. Additionally, our AFM-based force spectroscopy investigation on POPC bilayers revealed a reduction in bilayer puncture force (FP) and Young's modulus (E) upon Mag2 interaction, indicating a weakening of bilayer stability and increased flexibility, which may facilitate peptide insertion. The inclusion of anionic POPG into POPC bilayers elucidated its modulatory effects on Mag2 activity, highlighting the role of lipid composition in peptide-bilayer interactions. In contrast to surface pores, Mag2 treatment of E. coli total lipid extract bilayers resulted in increased surface roughness, which we describe as a fluctuation-like morphology. We speculate that the weaker cohesive interactions between heterogeneous lipids in E. coli bilayers may render them more susceptible to Mag2-induced perturbations. This could lead to widespread disruptions manifested as surface fluctuations throughout the bilayer, rather than the formation of well-defined pores. Together, our findings of nanoscale bilayer perturbations provide useful insights into the molecular mechanisms governing Mag2-membrane interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jianjun Pan
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, United States.
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2
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Aryal CM, Pan J. Probing the interactions of the HIV-1 matrix protein-derived polybasic region with lipid bilayers: insights from AFM imaging and force spectroscopy. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2024; 53:57-67. [PMID: 38172352 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) matrix protein contains a highly basic region, MA-HBR, crucial for various stages of viral replication. To elucidate the interactions between the polybasic peptide MA-HBR and lipid bilayers, we employed liquid-based atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging and force spectroscopy on lipid bilayers of differing compositions. In 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) bilayers, AFM imaging revealed the formation of annulus-shaped protrusions upon exposure to the polybasic peptide, accompanied by distinctive mechanical responses characterized by enhanced bilayer puncture forces. Importantly, our AFM-based force spectroscopy measurements unveiled that MA-HBR induces interleaflet decoupling within the cohesive bilayer organization. This is evidenced by a force discontinuity observed within the bilayer's elastic deformation regime. In POPC/cholesterol bilayers, MA-HBR caused similar yet smaller annular protrusions, demonstrating an intriguing interplay with cholesterol-rich membranes. In contrast, in bilayers containing anionic 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (POPS) lipids, MA-HBR induced unique annular protrusions, granular nanoparticles, and nanotubules, showcasing its distinctive effects in anionic lipid-enriched environments. Notably, our force spectroscopy data revealed that anionic POPS lipids weakened interleaflet adhesion within the bilayer, resulting in interleaflet decoupling, which potentially contributes to the specific bilayer perturbations induced by MA-HBR. Collectively, our findings highlight the remarkable variations in how the polybasic peptide, MA-HBR, interacts with lipid bilayers of differing compositions, shedding light on its role in host membrane restructuring during HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinta M Aryal
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
- , 2920 Burnet Ave Apt 3, Cincinnati, OH, 45219, USA
| | - Jianjun Pan
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
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3
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Gamage YI, Pan J. Elucidating the Influence of Lipid Composition on Bilayer Perturbations Induced by the N-terminal Region of the Huntingtin Protein. BIOPHYSICA 2023; 3:582-597. [PMID: 38737720 PMCID: PMC11087071 DOI: 10.3390/biophysica3040040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the membrane interactions of the N-terminal 17 residues of the huntingtin protein (HttN) is essential for unraveling its role in cellular processes and its impact on huntingtin misfolding. In this study, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine the effects of lipid specificity in mediating bilayer perturbations induced by HttN. Across various lipid environments, the peptide consistently induced bilayer disruptions in the form of holes. Notably, our results unveiled that cholesterol enhanced bilayer perturbation induced by HttN, while phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids suppressed hole formation. Furthermore, anionic phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin lipids, along with cholesterol at high concentrations, promoted the formation of double-bilayer patches. This unique structure suggests that the synergy among HttN, anionic lipids, and cholesterol can enhance bilayer fusion, potentially by facilitating lipid intermixing between adjacent bilayers. Additionally, our AFM-based force spectroscopy revealed that HttN enhanced the mechanical stability of lipid bilayers, as evidenced by an elevated bilayer puncture force. These findings illuminate the complex interplay between HttN and lipid membranes and provide useful insights into the role of lipid composition in modulating membrane interactions with the huntingtin protein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jianjun Pan
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
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4
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Khadka NK, Hazen P, Haemmerle D, Mainali L. Interaction of β L- and γ-Crystallin with Phospholipid Membrane Using Atomic Force Microscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15720. [PMID: 37958704 PMCID: PMC10649403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly concentrated lens proteins, mostly β- and γ-crystallin, are responsible for maintaining the structure and refractivity of the eye lens. However, with aging and cataract formation, β- and γ-crystallin are associated with the lens membrane or other lens proteins forming high-molecular-weight proteins, which further associate with the lens membrane, leading to light scattering and cataract development. The mechanism by which β- and γ-crystallin are associated with the lens membrane is unknown. This work aims to study the interaction of β- and γ-crystallin with the phospholipid membrane with and without cholesterol (Chol) with the overall goal of understanding the role of phospholipid and Chol in β- and γ-crystallin association with the membrane. Small unilamellar vesicles made of Chol/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (Chol/POPC) membranes with varying Chol content were prepared using the rapid solvent exchange method followed by probe tip sonication and then dispensed on freshly cleaved mica disk to prepare a supported lipid membrane. The βL- and γ-crystallin from the cortex of the bovine lens was used to investigate the time-dependent association of βL- and γ-crystallin with the membrane by obtaining the topographical images using atomic force microscopy. Our study showed that βL-crystallin formed semi-transmembrane defects, whereas γ-crystallin formed transmembrane defects on the phospholipid membrane. The size of semi-transmembrane defects increases significantly with incubation time when βL-crystallin interacts with the membrane. In contrast, no significant increase in transmembrane defect size was observed in the case of γ-crystallin. Our result shows that Chol inhibits the formation of membrane defects when βL- and γ-crystallin interact with the Chol/POPC membrane, where the degree of inhibition depends upon the amount of Chol content in the membrane. At a Chol/POPC mixing ratio of 0.3, membrane defects were observed when both βL- and γ-crystallin interacted with the membrane. However, at a Chol/POPC mixing ratio of 1, no association of γ-crystallin with the membrane was observed, which resulted in a defect-free membrane, and the severity of the membrane defect was decreased when βL-crystallin interacted with the membrane. The semi-transmembrane or transmembrane defects formed by the interaction of βL- and γ-crystallin on phospholipid membrane might be responsible for light scattering and cataract formation. However, Chol suppressed the formation of such defects in the membrane, likely maintaining lens membrane homeostasis and protecting against cataract formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal K. Khadka
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA; (N.K.K.); (D.H.)
| | - Preston Hazen
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA;
| | - Dieter Haemmerle
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA; (N.K.K.); (D.H.)
| | - Laxman Mainali
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA; (N.K.K.); (D.H.)
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA;
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Melcrová A, Maity S, Melcr J, de Kok NAW, Gabler M, van der Eyden J, Stensen W, Svendsen JSM, Driessen AJM, Marrink SJ, Roos WH. Lateral membrane organization as target of an antimicrobial peptidomimetic compound. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4038. [PMID: 37419980 PMCID: PMC10328936 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39726-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the leading concerns in medical care. Here we study the mechanism of action of an antimicrobial cationic tripeptide, AMC-109, by combining high speed-atomic force microscopy, molecular dynamics, fluorescence assays, and lipidomic analysis. We show that AMC-109 activity on negatively charged membranes derived from Staphylococcus aureus consists of two crucial steps. First, AMC-109 self-assembles into stable aggregates consisting of a hydrophobic core and a cationic surface, with specificity for negatively charged membranes. Second, upon incorporation into the membrane, individual peptides insert into the outer monolayer, affecting lateral membrane organization and dissolving membrane nanodomains, without forming pores. We propose that membrane domain dissolution triggered by AMC-109 may affect crucial functions such as protein sorting and cell wall synthesis. Our results indicate that the AMC-109 mode of action resembles that of the disinfectant benzalkonium chloride (BAK), but with enhanced selectivity for bacterial membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Melcrová
- Molecular Biophysics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sourav Maity
- Molecular Biophysics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Josef Melcr
- Molecular Dynamics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Niels A W de Kok
- Molecular Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mariella Gabler
- Molecular Biophysics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jonne van der Eyden
- Molecular Biophysics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wenche Stensen
- Department of Chemistry, UiT Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - John S M Svendsen
- Department of Chemistry, UiT Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Arnold J M Driessen
- Molecular Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Siewert J Marrink
- Molecular Biophysics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Molecular Dynamics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter H Roos
- Molecular Biophysics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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6
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Mechanical Properties of 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid-Induced Vesicles. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062742. [PMID: 36985713 PMCID: PMC10051961 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The vesicle mechanical behaviors were studied upon its exposure to 3-hydroxybutyric acid using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and 3-hydroxybutyric acid were used to manufacture the vesicles at their desired ratio. The deflection of an AFM probe with respect to its displacement was measured after characterizing the vesicle adsorption. The movement was analyzed with the Hertzian model to understand the physical behavior of the vesicles. However, in the deflection just prior to the first penetration, the model was a good fit, and the vesicle mechanical moduli were calculated. The moduli became lower with the higher ratio of 3-hydroxybutyric acid to DPPC, but the moduli were saturated at 0.5 of the ratio. These results appear to be the basis for the function of the metabolism associated with 3-hydroxybutyric acid, i.e., anesthetization and glycemic control, on the physical properties of cell membranes.
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7
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Lee G, Hadinoto K, Park JW. Changes in Mechanical Properties of Vesicles by Mucin in Aqueous Solution. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:3683. [PMID: 36296873 PMCID: PMC9607402 DOI: 10.3390/nano12203683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of vesicles were investigated as they were prepared, according to the ratio of mucin to dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), using an atomic force microscope (AFM). After the confirmation of the vesicle adsorption on a mica surface, an AFM-tip deflection, caused by the interaction between the tip and the vesicle, was measured. The deflection showed that the tip broke through into the vesicle twice. Each break meant a tip-penetration into the upper and lower portion of the vesicle. Only the first penetration allowed the Hertzian model available to estimate the vesicle mechanical moduli. Two moduli reduced as the ratio of mucin to DPPC increased to 0.5, but the moduli were little changed above the 0.5 ratio. These results seem to be a platform for the effect of the mucin on the plasma-membrane anchoring and cellular signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaeul Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Energy and Biotechnology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Korea
| | - Kunn Hadinoto
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
| | - Jin-Won Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Energy and Biotechnology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Korea
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8
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Mescola A, Ragazzini G, Facci P, Alessandrini A. The potential of AFM in studying the role of the nanoscale amphipathic nature of (lipo)-peptides interacting with lipid bilayers. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:432001. [PMID: 35830770 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac80c9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and lipopeptides (LPs) represent very promising molecules to fight resistant bacterial infections due to their broad-spectrum of activity, their first target, i.e. the bacterial membrane, and the rapid bactericidal action. For both types of molecules, the action mechanism starts from the membrane of the pathogen agents, producing a disorganization of their phase structure or the formation of pores of different size altering their permeability. This mechanism of action is based on physical interactions more than on a lock-and-key recognition event and it is difficult for the pathogens to rapidly develop an effective resistance. Very small differences in the sequence of both AMPs and LPs might lead to very different effects on the target membrane. Therefore, a correct understanding of their mechanism of action is required with the aim of developing new synthetic peptides, analogues of the natural ones, with specific and more powerful bactericidal activity. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), with its high resolution and the associated force spectroscopy resource, provides a valuable technique to investigate the reorganization of lipid bilayers exposed to antimicrobial or lipopeptides. Here, we present AFM results obtained by ours and other groups on the action of AMPs and LPs on supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) of different composition. We also consider data obtained by fluorescence microscopy to compare the AFM data with another technique which can be used on different lipid bilayer model systems such as SLBs and giant unilamellar vesicles. The outcomes here presented highlight the powerful of AFM-based techniques in detecting nanoscale peptide-membrane interactions and strengthen their use as an exceptional complementary tool toin vivoinvestigations. Indeed, the combination of these approaches can help decipher the mechanisms of action of different antimicrobials and lipopeptides at both the micro and nanoscale levels, and to design new and more efficient antimicrobial compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mescola
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Via Campi 213/A, I-41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Gregorio Ragazzini
- Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, I-41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Paolo Facci
- CNR-Ibf, Via De Marini 6, I-16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Alessandrini
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Via Campi 213/A, I-41125, Modena, Italy
- Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, I-41125, Modena, Italy
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9
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Khadka NK, Mortimer MF, Marosvari M, Timsina R, Mainali L. Membrane elasticity modulated by cholesterol in model of porcine eye lens-lipid membrane. Exp Eye Res 2022; 220:109131. [PMID: 35636489 PMCID: PMC10131281 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Experimental evidence shows that the eye lens loses its elasticity dramatically with age. It has also been reported that the cholesterol (Chol) content in the eye lens fiber cell plasma membrane increases significantly with age. High Chol content leads to the formation of cholesterol bilayer domains (CBDs) in the lens membrane. The role of high Chol associated with lens elasticity is unclear. The purpose of this research is to investigate the membrane elasticity of the model of porcine lens-lipid (MPLL) membrane with increasing Chol content to elucidate the role of high Chol in lens membrane elasticity. In this study, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the mechanical properties (breakthrough force and area compressibility modulus (KA)) of the MPLL membrane with increasing Chol content where KA is the measure of membrane elasticity. We varied Chol concentration in Chol/MPLL membrane from 0 to ∼71 mol%. Supported Chol/MPLL membranes were prepared by fusion of small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) on top of a flat mica surface. SUVs of the Chol/MPLL lipid mixture were prepared with the rapid solvent exchange method followed by probe-tip sonication. For the Chol/MPLL mixing ratio of 0, AFM image showed the formation of two distinct phases of the membrane, i.e., liquid-disordered phase (ld) and solid-ordered phase (so) membrane. However, with Chol/MPLL mixing ratio of 0.5 and above, only liquid-ordered phase (lo) membrane was formed. Also, two distinct breakthrough forces corresponding to ld and so were observed for Chol/MPLL mixing ratio of 0, whereas only one breakthrough force was observed for membranes with Chol/MPLL mixing ratio of 0.5 and above. No significant difference in the membrane surface roughness was measured with increasing Chol content for these membranes; however, breakthrough force and KA for lo membrane increased when Chol/MPLL mixing ratio was increased from 0.5 to 1. Interestingly above the Chol/MPLL mixing ratio of 1, both breakthrough force and KA decreased, indicating the formation of CBDs. Furthermore, these results showed that membrane elasticity increases at high Chol content, suggesting that high Chol content in lens membrane might be responsible for maintaining lens membrane elasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal K Khadka
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | | | - Mason Marosvari
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Raju Timsina
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Laxman Mainali
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA; Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
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10
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Khadka NK, Timsina R, Rowe E, O'Dell M, Mainali L. Mechanical properties of the high cholesterol-containing membrane: An AFM study. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2021; 1863:183625. [PMID: 33891910 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol (Chol) content in most cellular membranes does not exceed 50 mol%, only in the eye lens's fiber cell plasma membrane, its content surpasses 50 mol%. At this high concentration, Chol induces the formation of pure cholesterol bilayer domains (CBDs), which coexist with the surrounding phospholipid-cholesterol domain (PCD). Here, we applied atomic force microscopy to study the mechanical properties of Chol/phosphatidylcholine membranes where the Chol content was increased from 0 to 75 mol%, relevant to eye lens membranes. The surface roughness of the membrane decreases with an increase of Chol content until it reaches 60 mol%, and roughness increases with a further increment in Chol content. We propose that the increased roughness at higher Chol content results from the formation of CBDs. Force spectroscopy on the membrane with Chol content of 50 mol% or lesser exhibited single breakthrough events, whereas two distinct puncture events were observed for membranes with the Chol content greater than 50 mol%. We propose that the first puncture force corresponds to the membranes containing coexisting PCD and CBDs. In contrast, the second puncture force corresponds to the "CBD water pocket" formed due to coexisting CBDs and PCD. Membrane area compressibility modulus (KA) increases with an increase in Chol content until it reaches 60 mol%, and with further increment in Chol content, CBDs are formed, and KA starts to decrease. Our results report the increase in membrane roughness and decrease KA at very high Chol content (>60 mol%) relevant to the eye lens membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal K Khadka
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Raju Timsina
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Erica Rowe
- Department of Biology, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Matthew O'Dell
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Laxman Mainali
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA; Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
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11
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Saha P, Kumari Agarwala P, Dadhich R, Adhyapak P, Kapoor S, Madhavan N. Ligand Induced Cu II Transport Restricts Cancer and Mycobacterial Growth: Towards a Plug-and-Select Ion Channel Scaffold. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1424-1429. [PMID: 33347676 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic channels with high ion selectivity are attractive drug targets for diseases involving ion dysregulation. Achieving selective transport of divalent ions is highly challenging due their high hydration energies. A small tripeptide amphiphilic scaffold installed with a pybox ligand selectively transports CuII ions across membranes. The peptide forms stable dimeric pores in the membrane and transports ions by a Cu2+ /H+ antiport mechanism. The ligand-induced excellent CuII selectivity as well as high membrane permeability of the peptide is exploited to promote cancer cell death. The peptide's ability to restrict mycobacterial growth serves as seeds to evolve antibacterial strategies centred on selectively modulating ion homeostasis in pathogens. This simple peptide can potentially function as a universal, yet versatile, scaffold wherein the ion selectivity can be precisely controlled by modifying the ligand at the C terminus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parichita Saha
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Prema Kumari Agarwala
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Ruchika Dadhich
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Pranav Adhyapak
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Shobhna Kapoor
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Nandita Madhavan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
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12
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Aryal CM, Bui NN, Khadka NK, Song L, Pan J. The helix 0 of endophilin modifies membrane material properties and induces local curvature. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183397. [PMID: 32533976 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The amphipathic helix 0 of endophilin (i.e., H0-Endo) is important to membrane binding, but its function of curvature generation remains controversial. We used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to study effects of H0-Endo on membrane material properties. We found that H0-Endo reduced lipid chain mobility and increased bilayer polarity, i.e., making the bilayer interior more polar. Lipid-dependent examination revealed that anionic lipids augmented the effect of H0-Endo, while cholesterol had a minimal impact. Our EPR spectroscopy of magnetically aligned bicelles showed that as the peptide-to-lipid ratio increased, the lipid chain orientational order decreased gradually, followed by a sudden loss. We discuss an interfacial-bound model of the amphipathic H0-Endo to account for all EPR data. We used atomic force microscopy and fluorescence microscopy to explore membrane morphological changes. We found that H0-Endo caused the formation of micron-sized holes in mica-supported planar bilayers. Hole formation is likely caused by two competing forces - the adhesion force exerted by the substrate represses bilayer budging, whereas the line tension originating from peptide clustering has a tendency of destabilizing bilayer organization. In the absence of substrate influences, membrane curvature induction was manifested by generating small vesicles surrounding giant unilamellar vesicles. Our results of membrane perforation and vesiculation suggest that the functionality of H0-Endo is more than just coordinating membrane binding of endophilin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinta M Aryal
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, United States of America
| | - Nhat Nguyen Bui
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States of America
| | - Nawal K Khadka
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, United States of America
| | - Likai Song
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States of America.
| | - Jianjun Pan
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, United States of America.
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Khadka N, Aryal CM, Pan J. Lipopolysaccharide-Dependent Membrane Permeation and Lipid Clustering Caused by Cyclic Lipopeptide Colistin. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:17828-17834. [PMID: 30613815 PMCID: PMC6312645 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b02260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Polyanionic lipopolysaccharides (LPS) play an important role in regulating the permeability of the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria. Impairment of the LPS-enriched OM is essential in initiating the bactericidal activity of polymyxins. We are interested in how colistin (polymyxin E) affects the membrane permeability of LPS/phospholipid bilayers. Our vesicle leakage experiment showed that colistin binding enhanced bilayer permeability; the maximum increase in the bilayer permeability was positively correlated with the LPS fraction. Addition of magnesium ions abolished the effect of LPS in enhancing bilayer permeabilization. To describe the vesicle leakage behavior from a structural perspective, we performed liquid atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements on planar lipid bilayers. We found that colistin caused the formation of nano- and macroclusters that protruded from the bilayer by ∼2 nm. Moreover, cluster development was promoted by increasing the fraction of LPS or colistin concentration but inhibited by magnesium ions. To explain our experimental data, we proposed a lipid clustering model where colistin binds to LPS to form large-scale complexes segregated from zwitterionic phospholipids. The discontinuity (and thickness mismatch) at the edge of LPS-colistin clusters will create a passage that allows solutes to permeate through. The proposed model is consistent with all data obtained from our leakage and AFM experiments. Our results of LPS-dependent membrane restructuring provided useful insights into the mechanism that could be used by polymyxins in impairing the permeability barrier of the OM of Gram-negative bacteria.
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Effects of the peptide Magainin H2 on Supported Lipid Bilayers studied by different biophysical techniques. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:2635-2643. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Pan J, Dalzini A, Khadka NK, Aryal CM, Song L. Lipid Extraction by α-Synuclein Generates Semi-Transmembrane Defects and Lipoprotein Nanoparticles. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:9586-9597. [PMID: 30198000 PMCID: PMC6120733 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Modulations of synaptic membranes play an essential role in the physiological and pathological functions of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein (αSyn). Here we used solution atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to investigate membrane modulations caused by αSyn. We used several lipid bilayers to explore how different lipid species may regulate αSyn-membrane interactions. We found that at a protein-to-lipid ratio of ∼1/9, αSyn perturbed lipid bilayers by generating semi-transmembrane defects that only span one leaflet. In addition, αSyn coaggregates with lipid molecules to produce ∼10 nm-sized lipoprotein nanoparticles. The obtained AFM data are consistent with the apolipoprotein characteristic of αSyn. The role of anionic lipids was elucidated by comparing results from zwitterionic and anionic lipid bilayers. Specifically, our AFM measurements showed that anionic bilayers had a larger tendency of forming bilayer defects; similarly, our EPR measurements revealed that anionic bilayers exhibited more substantial changes in lipid chain mobility and bilayer polarity. We also studied the effect of cholesterol. We found that cholesterol increased the capability of αSyn in inducing bilayer defects and altering lipid chain mobility and bilayer polarity. These data can be explained by an increase in the lipid headgroup-headgroup spacing and/or specific cholesterol-αSyn interactions. Interestingly, we found an inhibitory effect of the cone-shaped phosphatidylethanolamine lipids on αSyn-induced bilayer remodeling. We explained our data by considering interlipid hydrogen-bonding that can stabilize bilayer organization and suppress lipid extraction. Our results of lipid-dependent membrane modulations are likely relevant to αSyn functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Pan
- Department
of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
- E-mail: (J.P.)
| | - Annalisa Dalzini
- National
High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida
State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - Nawal K. Khadka
- Department
of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Chinta M. Aryal
- Department
of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Likai Song
- National
High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida
State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
- E-mail: (L.S.)
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Cholesterol and phosphatidylethanolamine lipids exert opposite effects on membrane modulations caused by the M2 amphipathic helix. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1861:201-209. [PMID: 30071193 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Membrane curvature remodeling induced by amphipathic helices (AHs) is essential in many biological processes. Here we studied a model amphipathic peptide, M2AH, derived from influenza A M2. We are interested in how M2AH may promote membrane curvature by altering membrane physical properties. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine changes in membrane topographic and mechanical properties. We used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to explore changes in lipid chain mobility and chain orientational order. We found that M2AH perturbed lipid bilayers by generating nanoscale pits. The structural data are consistent with lateral expansion of lipid chain packing, resulting in a mechanically weaker bilayer. Our EPR spectroscopy showed that M2AH reduced lipid chain mobility and had a minimal effect on lipid chain orientational order. The EPR data are consistent with the surface-bound state of M2AH that acts as a chain mobility inhibitor. By comparing results from different lipid bilayers, we found that cholesterol enhanced the activity of M2AH in inducing bilayer pits and altering lipid chain mobility. The results were explained by considering specific M2AH-cholesterol recognition and/or cholesterol-induced expansion of interlipid distance. Both AFM and EPR experiments revealed a modest effect of anionic lipids. This highlights that membrane interaction of M2AH is mainly driven by hydrophobic forces. Lastly, we found that phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids inhibited the activity of M2AH. We explained our data by considering interlipid hydrogen-bonding that can stabilize bilayer organization. Our results of lipid-dependent membrane modulations are likely relevant to M2AH-induced membrane restructuring.
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Pan J, Sahoo PK, Dalzini A, Hayati Z, Aryal CM, Teng P, Cai J, Gutierrez HR, Song L. Membrane Disruption Mechanism of a Prion Peptide (106-126) Investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy, Raman and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem B 2017; 121:5058-5071. [PMID: 28459565 PMCID: PMC5770145 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b02772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A fragment of the human prion protein spanning residues 106-126 (PrP106-126) recapitulates many essential properties of the disease-causing protein such as amyloidogenicity and cytotoxicity. PrP106-126 has an amphipathic characteristic that resembles many antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Therefore, the toxic effect of PrP106-126 could arise from a direct association of monomeric peptides with the membrane matrix. Several experimental approaches are employed to scrutinize the impacts of monomeric PrP106-126 on model lipid membranes. Porous defects in planar bilayers are observed by using solution atomic force microscopy. Adding cholesterol does not impede defect formation. A force spectroscopy experiment shows that PrP106-126 reduces Young's modulus of planar lipid bilayers. We use Raman microspectroscopy to study the effect of PrP106-126 on lipid atomic vibrational dynamics. For phosphatidylcholine lipids, PrP106-126 disorders the intrachain conformation, while the interchain interaction is not altered; for phosphatidylethanolamine lipids, PrP106-126 increases the interchain interaction, while the intrachain conformational order remains similar. We explain the observed differences by considering different modes of peptide insertion. Finally, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy shows that PrP106-126 progressively decreases the orientational order of lipid acyl chains in magnetically aligned bicelles. Together, our experimental data support the proposition that monomeric PrP106-126 can disrupt lipid membranes by using similar mechanisms found in AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Pan
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Prasana K. Sahoo
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Annalisa Dalzini
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - Zahra Hayati
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - Chinta M. Aryal
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Peng Teng
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | | | - Likai Song
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
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