Bipolar tetraether archaeosomes exhibit unusual stability against autoclaving as studied by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy

Sugar-based Cryoprotectants Stabilize Liposomal Vesicles by Exhibiting a Cholesterol-like Effect

Liposomal vesicles tend to fuse and aggregate during lyophilization. To avoid these events, cryoprotectants are added to the dispersion before lyophilization. Herein, we have compared the effect of three commonly used cryoprotectants (mannitol, MTL; trehalose, THL; and β-cyclodextrin, β-CD) upon structural characteristics of liposomes. The formulation was prepared using ethanol injection method, and cryoprotectants were tested at three dose levels (2, 6, and 10 mM). We have elucidated their effect on soy lecithin (SL) liposomes formulated with and without cholesterol (CHL). Characterizations were performed using scattering, thermal, and spectroscopic techniques. CHL molecules interacted hydrophobically with the SL bilayer. In spite of triggering a noticeable increase in the hydrodynamic diameter (about 30 nm), CHL promoted the stabilization of vesicles. Hydrogen bonding interactions were verified by the shift in -OH stretching over 3300-3500 cm-1. This manifested in an increased phase transition temperature (Tm) of SL liposomes. Tm increased further upon incorporation of cryoprotectants, particularly with β-CD. Enthalpic changes were indicative of an affinity interaction between phospholipids and cryoprotectants, regardless of the presence of CHL. β-CD showed concentration-dependent changes in the energetics of this interaction. The affinity of cryoprotectant-liposome interaction has been ranked as β-CD ≫ THL > MNT.

Vesicular and Planar Membranes of Archaea Lipids: Unusual Physical Properties and Biomedical Applications

Liposomes and planar membranes made of archaea or archaea-like lipids exhibit many unusual physical properties compared to model membranes composed of conventional diester lipids. Here, we review several recent findings in this research area, which include (1) thermosensitive archaeosomes with the capability to drastically change the membrane surface charge, (2) MthK channel's capability to insert into tightly packed tetraether black lipid membranes and exhibit channel activity with surprisingly high calcium sensitivity, and (3) the intercalation of apolar squalane into the midplane space of diether bilayers to impede proton permeation. We also review the usage of tetraether archaeosomes as nanocarriers of therapeutics and vaccine adjuvants, as well as the biomedical applications of planar archaea lipid membranes. The discussion on archaeosomal therapeutics is focused on partially purified tetraether lipid fractions such as the polar lipid fraction E (PLFE) and glyceryl caldityl tetraether (GCTE), which are the main components of PLFE with the sugar and phosphate removed.

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of the Archaeal Lipid Parallel GDGT-0 (Isocaldarchaeol)*

Archaeal glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGT) are some of the most unusual membrane lipids identified in nature. These amphiphiles are the major constituents of the membranes of numerous Archaea, some of which are extremophilic organisms. Due to their unique structures, there has been significant interest in studying both the biophysical properties and the biosynthesis of these molecules. However, these studies have thus far been hampered by limited access to chemically pure samples. Herein, we report a concise and stereoselective synthesis of the archaeal tetraether lipid parallel GDGT-0 and the synthesis and self-assembly of derivatives bearing different polar groups.

Polar Lipid Fraction E from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine Can Form Stable yet Thermo-Sensitive Tetraether/Diester Hybrid Archaeosomes with Controlled Release Capability

Archaeosomes have drawn increasing attention in recent years as novel nano-carriers for therapeutics. The main obstacle of using archaeosomes for therapeutics delivery has been the lack of an efficient method to trigger the release of entrapped content from the otherwise extremely stable structure. Our present study tackles this long-standing problem. We made hybrid archaeosomes composed of tetraether lipids, called the polar lipid fraction E (PLFE) isolated from the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, and the synthetic diester lipid dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Differential polarized phase-modulation and steady-state fluorometry, confocal fluorescence microscopy, zeta potential (ZP) measurements, and biochemical assays were employed to characterize the physical properties and drug behaviors in PLFE/DPPC hybrid archaeosomes in the presence and absence of live cells. We found that PLFE lipids have an ordering effect on fluid DPPC liposomal membranes, which can slow down the release of entrapped drugs, while PLFE provides high negative charges on the outer surface of liposomes, which can increase vesicle stability against coalescence among liposomes or with cells. Furthermore, we found that the zeta potential in hybrid archaeosomes with 30 mol% PLFE and 70 mol% DPPC (designated as PLFE/DPPC(3:7) archaeosomes) undergoes an abrupt increase from −48 mV at 37 °C to −16 mV at 44 °C (termed the ZP transition), which we hypothesize results from DPPC domain melting and PLFE lipid ‘flip-flop’. The anticancer drug doxorubicin (DXO) can be readily incorporated into PLFE/DPPC(3:7) archaeosomes. The rate constant of DXO release from PLFE/DPPC(3:7) archaeosomes into Tris buffer exhibited a sharp increase (~2.5 times), when the temperature was raised from 37 to 42 °C, which is believed to result from the liposomal structural changes associated with the ZP transition. This thermo-induced sharp increase in drug release was not affected by serum proteins as a similar temperature dependence of drug release kinetics was observed in human blood serum. A 15-min pre-incubation of PLFE/DPPC(3:7) archaeosomal DXO with MCF-7 breast cancer cells at 42 °C caused a significant increase in the amount of DXO entering into the nuclei and a considerable increase in the cell’s cytotoxicity under the 37 °C growth temperature. Taken together, our data suggests that PLFE/DPPC(3:7) archaeosomes are stable yet potentially useful thermo-sensitive liposomes wherein the temperature range (from 37 to 42–44 °C) clinically used for mild hyperthermia treatment of tumors can be used to trigger drug release for medical interventions.

The Cell Membrane of Sulfolobus spp.-Homeoviscous Adaption and Biotechnological Applications

The microbial cell membrane is affected by physicochemical parameters, such as temperature and pH, but also by the specific growth rate of the host organism. Homeoviscous adaption describes the process of maintaining membrane fluidity and permeability throughout these environmental changes. Archaea, and thereby, Sulfolobus spp. exhibit a unique lipid composition of ether lipids, which are altered in regard to the ratio of diether to tetraether lipids, number of cyclopentane rings and type of head groups, as a coping mechanism against environmental changes. The main biotechnological application of the membrane lipids of Sulfolobus spp. are so called archaeosomes. Archaeosomes are liposomes which are fully or partly generated from archaeal lipids and harbor the potential to be used as drug delivery systems for vaccines, proteins, peptides and nucleic acids. This review summarizes the influence of environmental parameters on the cell membrane of Sulfolobus spp. and the biotechnological applications of their membrane lipids.

Combination therapy using human papillomavirus L1/E6/E7 genes and archaeosome: a nanovaccine confer immuneadjuvanting effects to fight cervical cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major health problem in women. DNA vaccines are a perfect approach to immunization, but their potency in clinical trials has been insufficient for generating effective immunity, which may be related to the degradation of the DNA via nucleases, poor delivery to antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and insufficient uptake of DNA plasmids by cells upon injection. Archaeosome is a nano-delivery systems based on liposomes with their immunological role have been developed for gene delivery. In this study, human papillomavirus type 16 genes, containing truncated L1, E6, and E7, were simultaneously used in combination therapy with archaeosome and assessed in vivo. Findings supported that archaeosomes promotes immune responses to DNA vaccines and a long-term CTL response was generated with a low antigen dose. Combination therapy with archaeosome/L1/E6/E7 vaccines exhibited a strong cytolytic activity against tumor cells and induced prophylactic and therapeutic effect against the development of tumor in the animal model.

Bolalipid-Doped Liposomes: Can Bolalipids Increase the Integrity of Liposomes Exposed to Gastrointestinal Fluids?

The use of archaeal lipids and their artificial analogues, also known as bolalipids, represents a promising approach for the stabilization of classical lipid vesicles for oral application. In a previous study, we investigated the mixing behavior of three single-chain alkyl-branched bolalipids PC-C32(1,32Cn)-PC (n = 3, 6, 9) with either saturated or unsaturated phosphatidyl-cholines. We proved, that the bolalipids PC-C32(1,32C6)-PC and PC-C32(1,32C9)-PC show miscibility with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC). In the present work, we extended our vesicle system to natural lipid mixtures using phosphatidylcholine from soy beans, and we investigated the effect of incorporated bolalipids on the integrity of these mixed liposomes (bolasomes) in different gastrointestinal fluids using a dithionite assay and a calcein release assay in combination with particle size measurements. Finally, we also studied the retention of calcein within the bolasomes during freeze-drying. As a main result, we could show that in particular PC-C32(1,32C6)-PC is able to increase the stability of bolasomes in simulated gastric fluid-a prerequisite for the further use of liposomes as oral drug delivery vehicles.

Synthesis and aggregation behaviour of single-chain, 1,32-alkyl branched bis(phosphocholines): effect of lateral chain length

Three novel single-chain bis(phosphocholines) bearing two lateral alkyl chains of variable length next to the headgroup have been synthesized as model lipids for naturally occurring archaeal membrane lipids. The synthesis was realized using the Cu-catalyzed Grignard bis-coupling reaction of a primary bromide as a side part and a 1,ω-dibromide as a centre part. We could show that the aggregation behaviour of the resulting bolalipids strongly depends on the length of the lateral alkyl chain: the C3-branched bolalipid self-assembles into lamellar sheets, whereas the C6- and C9-analogues form nanofibres. The lamella-forming bolalipids could be used in the future to prepare stable and tailored liposomes for oral drug delivery.

Biotechnology of extremely thermophilic archaea

Although the extremely thermophilic archaea (Topt ≥ 70°C) may be the most primitive extant forms of life, they have been studied to a limited extent relative to mesophilic microorganisms. Many of these organisms have unique biochemical and physiological characteristics with important biotechnological implications. These include methanogens that generate methane, fermentative anaerobes that produce hydrogen gas with high efficiency, and acidophiles that can mobilize base, precious and strategic metals from mineral ores. Extremely thermophilic archaea have also been a valuable source of thermoactive, thermostable biocatalysts, but their use as cellular systems has been limited because of the general lack of facile genetics tools. This situation has changed recently, however, thereby providing an important avenue for understanding their metabolic and physiological details and also opening up opportunities for metabolic engineering efforts. Along these lines, extremely thermophilic archaea have recently been engineered to produce a variety of alcohols and industrial chemicals, in some cases incorporating CO2 into the final product. There are barriers and challenges to these organisms reaching their full potential as industrial microorganisms but, if these can be overcome, a new dimension for biotechnology will be forthcoming that strategically exploits biology at high temperatures.

Mixing behaviour of bilayer-forming phosphatidylcholines with single-chain alkyl-branched bolalipids: effect of lateral chain length

Liposomes are a promising class of drug delivery vehicles. However, no liposomal formulation has been approved for an oral application so far, due to stability issues of the liposomes in the gastrointestinal tract. Herein, we investigate the miscibility of three novel single-chain alkyl-branched bolalipids PC-C32(1,32Cn)-PC (n = 3, 6, 9) with either saturated or unsaturated phosphatidylcholines by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of stained samples, vitrified specimens, or replica of freeze-fractured samples, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The novel bolalipids contain lateral alkyl chains of different length in 1- and 32-position of the long membrane-spanning C32 alkyl chain. We will show for the first time that these single-chain alkyl-branched bolalipids show a miscibility with bilayer-forming phospholipids-by maintaining the vesicular aggregate structure-due to the lateral alkyl substituents located next to the phosphocholine headgroup of the bolalipid. We are convinced that these alkyl side chains are able to fill the void volume, which is created when unmodified single-chain bolalipids are inserted in a transmembrane fashion into a phospholipid bilayer. Consequently, the miscibility of our alkyl-chained bolalipids with bilayer-forming phospholipids rose with increasing lengths of the lateral alkyl chain of the bolalipid. Finally, we were successful in preparing liposomes from various bolalipid/phospholipid mixtures, which were stable in size upon storage for at least 21 days. These mixed liposomes (bolasomes) could be used as oral drug delivery systems in the near future.

Impact of Headgroup Asymmetry and Protonation State on the Aggregation Behavior of a New Type of Glycerol Diether Bolalipid

In the present work, we describe the synthesis and the temperature-dependent aggregation behavior of a new class of asymmetrical glycerol diether bolalipids. These bolalipids are composed of a membrane-spanning alkyl chain with 32 carbon atoms (C32) in the sn-3 position, a methyl-branched C16 alkyl chain in the sn-2 position, and a zwitterionic phosphocholine headgroup in the sn-1 position of a glycerol moiety. The long C32 alkyl chain is terminated either by a second phosphocholine (PC-Gly(2C16Me)C32-PC) or by a phosphodimethylethanolamine headgroup (PC-Gly(2C16Me)C32-Me₂PE). The temperature- and pH-dependent aggregation behavior of both lipids was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments. The morphology of the formed aggregates in an aqueous suspension was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We show that PC-Gly(2C16Me)C32-PC and PC-Gly(2C16Me)C32-Me₂PE at pH 5 self-assemble into large lamellar aggregates and large lipid vesicles. Within these structures, the bolalipid molecules are probably assembled in a monolayer with fully interdigitated chains. The lipid molecules seem to be tilted with respect to the layer normal to ensure a dense packing of the alkyl chains. A temperature increase leads to a transition from a lamellar gel phase to the liquid-crystalline phase at about 28-30 °C for both bolalipids. The lamellar aggregates of PC-Gly(2C16Me)C32-Me₂PE started to transform into nanofibers when the pH value of the suspension was increased to above 11. At pH 12, these nanofibers were the dominant aggregates.

An Asymmetrical Glycerol Diether Bolalipid with Protonable Phosphodimethylethanolamine Headgroup: The Impact of pH on Aggregation Behavior and Miscibility with DPPC

Investigations regarding the self-assembly of (bola)phospholipids in aqueous media are crucial to understand the complex relationship between chemical structure of lipids and the shape and size of their aggregates in water. Here, we introduce a new asymmetrical glycerol diether bolaphospholipid, the compound Me₂PE-Gly(2C16)C32-OH. This bolalipid contains a long (C32) ω-hydroxy alkyl chain bond to glycerol in the sn-3 position, a C16 alkyl chain at the sn-2 position, and a protonable phosphodimethylethanolamine (Me₂PE) headgroup at the sn-1 position of the glycerol. The aggregation behavior of this bolalipid was studied as a function of temperature and pH using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. We show that this bolalipid aggregates into condensed lamellar sheets in acidic milieu and in large sheet-like aggregates at neutral pH-value. By contrast, at a pH-value of 10, where the Me₂PE headgroup is only partially protonated, small lipid disks with diameter 50⁻100 nm were additionally found. Moreover, the miscibility of this asymmetrical bolalipid with the bilayer-forming phosphatidylcholine DPPC was investigated by means of DSC and TEM. The incorporation of bolalipids into phospholipid membranes could result in stabilized liposomes applicable for drug delivery purposes. We show that mixtures of DPPC and Me₂PE-Gly(2C16)C32-OH form large lamellar aggregates at pH of 5, 7, and 10. However, closed lipid vesicles (liposomes) with an increased thermal stability were not found.

Aggregation behaviour of a single-chain, phenylene-modified bolalipid and its miscibility with classical phospholipids

In the present work, we describe the synthesis of a single-chain, phenylene-modified bolalipid with two phosphocholine headgroups, PC-C18pPhC18-PC, using a Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction as a key step. The aggregation behaviour was studied as a function of temperature using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). We show that our new bolalipid self-assembles into nanofibres, which transform into flexible nanofibres at 27 °C and further to small elongated micelles at 45 °C. Furthermore, the miscibility of the bolalipid with bilayer-forming phosphatidylcholines (DMPC, DPPC, and DSPC) was investigated by means of DSC, TEM, FTIR, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We could show that the PC-C18pPhC18-PC is partially miscible with saturated phosphatidylcholines; however, closed lipid vesicles with an increased thermal stability were not found. Instead, bilayer fragments and disk-like aggregates are formed.

A membrane-spanning macrocyclic bolaamphiphile lipid mimic of archaeal lipids

The synthesis of a 72-membered macrocyclic tetraester bolaamphiphile is accomplished in six chemical steps from commercially available starting materials using copper-accelerated azide–alkyne coupling to close the macrocycle in high yield. Related diester amphiphiles and an acyclic tetraester bolaamphiphile were also prepared. The set of lipids bearing nitrophenyl phosphate head groups were incorporated into phospholipid vesicles but failed to undergo phosphate hydrolysis in basic conditions, undergoing efficient elimination in competition. The same lipid cores bearing phosphate-linked nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) head groups also incorporated into phospholipid vesicles and the NBD fluorescence was quenched with cobalt ions. The proportion of membrane-spanning bolaamphiphiles was determined from the ratio of cobalt quenching in the presence and in the absence of a detergent. The macrocyclic bolaamphiphile is incorporated into phospholipid vesicles such that 48 ± 4% of the NBD head groups are in the outer leaflet, consistent with a membrane-spanning orientation. The acyclic bolaamphiphile is incorporated with 75 ± 3% of the NBD head groups accessible to quencher in the absence of a detergent suggesting U-shaped incorporation in the outer leaflet of the bilayer membrane. In ring size and spanning ability, the macrocyclic bolaamphiphile mimics naturally occurring macrocyclic archaeal lipids.

Stable archaeal tetraether lipid liposomes for photodynamic application: transfer of carboxyfluorescein to cultured T84 tumor cells

Background: Archaeal membranes have phytanyl ether lipids instead of common fatty acid-glycerol esters in bacterial and eukaryotic cells. Sulfolobus and Thermoplasma species have unique membrane-spanning tetraether lipids (TEL), which form stable liposomes. Recently, we cultured Thermoplasma species from the Indonesian volcano Tangkuban Perahu and isolated TEL. The purpose of this in vitro study is to investigate the transfer of fluorescent dye from stable TEL liposomes to cultured colon carcinoma cells.Methods: TEL was extracted from cultured cells with chloroform-methanol (1:1), then it was fractionated and purified via diethylaminoethyl-cellulose-acetate columns and activated charcoal for the formation of stable liposomes. For the fluorescence exchange assay, TEL liposomes were loaded with water-soluble carboxyfluorescein (CF). Staining experiments were conducted with various cell cultures, and T84 colon carcinoma cells were chosen for the main experiments. Liposome stability was tested by light scattering and electron microscopic size determinations as well as by unspecific CF release at low pH (6.0–7.4) and increased temperature  (4–50°C/70°C).Results: TEL liposomes exhibit high stability and extremely low proton permeability at low pH. CF staining of cultured T84 colon carcinoma cells appeares more intensive from TEL liposomes than from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes.Conclusion: The results of this in vitro study demonstrate CF staining of colon carcinoma cells and high stability of TEL liposomes at low pH, matching the condition in the gastro-intestinal (GI) route and in the urogentital (UG) tract. For this reason, in vivo studies on liposomal fluorescent photosensitizers for topical application of photodynamic cancer therapy in the GI and UG tracts should be carried out.

Characterization of drug encapsulation and retention in archaea-inspired tetraether liposomes

Archaea-inspired lipids exhibit reduced membrane permeability and increased retention of hydrophilic drugs in liposomes.

Topical vaccination with super-stable ready to use nanovesicles

Ultradeformable archaeosomes (UDA) are nanovesicles made of total polar archaeolipids (TPA) from the archaea Halorubrum tebenquichense, soybean phosphatidylcholine and sodium cholate (3:3:1w/w). Fresh dispersions of UDA including different type of antigens are acknowledged as efficient topical vaccination agents. UDA dispersions however, if manufactured for pharmaceutical use, have to maintain colloidal stability upon liposomicidal processes such as sterilization and lyophilization (_SLRUDA), needed to extend shelf life during storage. The remaining capacity of _SLRUDA to act as adjuvants was therefore tested here for the first time. Another unexplored issue addressed here, is the outcome of replacing classical antigen inclusion into nanovesicles by their physical mixture. Our results showed that UDA behaved as super-stable nanovesicles because of its high endurance during heat sterilization and storage for 5 months at 40°C. The archaeolipid content of UDA however, was insufficient to protect it against lyophilization, which demanded the addition of 2.5% v/v glycerol plus 0.07% w/v glucose. No significant differences were found between serum anti-ovalbumin (OVA) IgG titers induced by fresh or _SLRUDA upon topical application of 4 weekly doses at 600μg lipids/75μg OVA to Balb/c mice. Finally, _SLRUDA mixed with OVA elicited the same Th2 biased plus a non-specific cell mediated response than OVA encapsulated within UDA. Concluding, we showed that TPA is key component of super-stable nanovesicles that confers resistance to heat sterilization and to storage under cold-free conditions. The finding of _SLRUDA as ready-to-use topical adjuvant would lead to simpler manufacture processing and cheaper products. .

Archaeal phospholipids: Structural properties and biosynthesis

Phospholipids are major components of the cellular membranes present in all living organisms. They typically form a lipid bilayer that embroiders the cell or cellular organelles, constitute a barrier for ions and small solutes and form a matrix that supports the function of membrane proteins. The chemical composition of the membrane phospholipids present in the two prokaryotic domains Archaea and Bacteria are vastly different. Archaeal lipids are composed of highly-methylated isoprenoid chains that are ether-linked to a glycerol-1-phosphate backbone while bacterial phospholipids consist of straight fatty acids bound by ester bonds to the enantiomeric glycerol-3-phosphate backbone. The chemical structure of the archaeal lipids and their compositional diversity ensures the required stability at extreme environmental conditions as many archaea thrive at such conditions including high or low temperature, high salinity and extreme acidic or alkaline pH values. However, not all archaea are extremophiles, and the presence of ether-linked phospholipids is a phylogenetic marker that distinguishes Archaea from other life forms. During the past decade, our understanding of the biosynthesis of archaeal lipids has progressed resulting in the characterization of the main biosynthetic steps of the pathway including the reconstitution of lipid biosynthesis in vitro. Here we describe the chemical and physical properties of archaeal lipids and membranes derived thereof, summarize the existing knowledge about the enzymology of the archaeal lipid biosynthetic pathway and discuss evolutionary theories associated with the "Lipid Divide" that resulted in the differentiation of bacterial and archaeal organisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Bacterial Lipids edited by Russell E. Bishop.

Highly asymmetrical glycerol diether bolalipids: synthesis and temperature-dependent aggregation behavior

In the present work, we describe the synthesis and temperature-dependent aggregation behavior of two examples of a new class of highly asymmetrical glycerol diether bolaphospholipids. The bolalipids contain a long alkyl chain (C32) bound to glycerol in the sn-3 position, carrying a hydroxyl group at the ω position. The C16 alkyl chain in the sn-2 position either possesses a racemic methyl branch at the 10 position of the short alkyl chain (lipid II) or does not (lipid I). The sn-1 position of the glycerol is linked to a zwitterionic phosphocholine moiety. The temperature-dependent aggregation behavior of both bolalipids was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering. Aggregate structures were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We show that both bolalipids self-assemble into large lamellar sheetlike aggregates. Closed lipid vesicles or other aggregate structures such as tubes or nanofibers, as usually found for diglycerol tetraether lipids, were not observed. Within the lamellae the bolalipid molecules are arranged in an antiparallel (interdigitated) orientation. Lipid I, without an additional methyl moiety in the short alkyl chain, shows a lamellar phase with high crystallinity up to a temperature of 34 °C, which was not observed before for other phospholipids.

Biosynthesis of archaeal membrane ether lipids

A vital function of the cell membrane in all living organism is to maintain the membrane permeability barrier and fluidity. The composition of the phospholipid bilayer is distinct in archaea when compared to bacteria and eukarya. In archaea, isoprenoid hydrocarbon side chains are linked via an ether bond to the sn-glycerol-1-phosphate backbone. In bacteria and eukarya on the other hand, fatty acid side chains are linked via an ester bond to the sn-glycerol-3-phosphate backbone. The polar head groups are globally shared in the three domains of life. The unique membrane lipids of archaea have been implicated not only in the survival and adaptation of the organisms to extreme environments but also to form the basis of the membrane composition of the last universal common ancestor (LUCA). In nature, a diverse range of archaeal lipids is found, the most common are the diether (or archaeol) and the tetraether (or caldarchaeol) lipids that form a monolayer. Variations in chain length, cyclization and other modifications lead to diversification of these lipids. The biosynthesis of these lipids is not yet well understood however progress in the last decade has led to a comprehensive understanding of the biosynthesis of archaeol. This review describes the current knowledge of the biosynthetic pathway of archaeal ether lipids; insights on the stability and robustness of archaeal lipid membranes; and evolutionary aspects of the lipid divide and the LUCA. It examines recent advances made in the field of pathway reconstruction in bacteria.

On physical properties of tetraether lipid membranes: effects of cyclopentane rings

This paper reviews the recent findings related to the physical properties of tetraether lipid membranes, with special attention to the effects of the number, position, and configuration of cyclopentane rings on membrane properties. We discuss the findings obtained from liposomes and monolayers, composed of naturally occurring archaeal tetraether lipids and synthetic tetraethers as well as the results from computer simulations. It appears that the number, position, and stereochemistry of cyclopentane rings in the dibiphytanyl chains of tetraether lipids have significant influence on packing tightness, lipid conformation, membrane thickness and organization, and headgroup hydration/orientation.

Physical properties of archaeal tetraether lipid membranes as revealed by differential scanning and pressure perturbation calorimetry, molecular acoustics, and neutron reflectometry: effects of pressure and cell growth temperature

The polar lipid fraction E (PLFE) is a major tetraether lipid component in the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Using differential scanning and pressure perturbation calorimetry as well as ultrasound velocity and density measurements, we have determined the compressibilities and volume fluctuations of PLFE liposomes derived from different cell growth temperatures (T(g) = 68, 76, and 81 °C). The compressibility and volume fluctuation values of PLFE liposomes, which are substantially less than those detected from diester lipid membranes (e.g., DPPC), exhibit small but significant differences with T(g). Among the three T(g)s employed, 76 °C leads to the least compressible and most tightly packed PLFE membranes. This temperature is within the range for optimal cell growth (75-80 °C). It is known that a decrease in T(g) decreases the number of cyclopentane rings in archael tetraether lipids. Thus, our data enable us to present the new view that membrane packing in PLFE liposomes varies with the number of cyclopentane rings in a nonlinear manner, reaching maximal tightness when the tetraether lipids are derived from cells grown at optimal T(g)s. In addition, we have studied the effects of pressure on total layer thickness, d, and neutron scattering length density, ρ(n), of a silicon-D(2)O interface that is covered with a PLFE membrane using neutron reflectometry (NR). At 55 °C, d and ρ(n) are found to be rather insensitive to pressure up to 1800 bar, suggesting minor changes of the thickness of the membrane's hydrophobic core and headgroup orientation upon compression only.

Delivery of proteins to the brain by bolaamphiphilic nano-sized vesicles

Bolaamphiphilic cationic vesicles with acetylcholine (ACh) surface groups were investigated for their ability to deliver a model protein-bovine serum albumin conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (BSA-FITC) across biological barriers in vitro and in vivo. BSA-FITC-loaded vesicles were internalized into cells in culture, including brain endothelial b.End3 cells, at 37 °C, but not at 4 °C, indicating an active uptake process. To examine if BSA-FITC-loaded vesicles were stable enough for in vivo delivery, we tested vesicle stability in whole serum. The half-life of cationic BSA-FITC-loaded vesicles with ACh surface groups that are hydrolyzed by choline esterase (ChE) was about 2 h, whereas the half-life of vesicles with similar surface groups, but which are not hydrolyzed by choline esterase (ChE), was over 5 h. Pyridostigmine, a choline esterase inhibitor that does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), increased the stability of the ChE-sensitive vesicles to 6 h but did not affect the stability of vesicles with ACh surface groups that are not hydrolyzed by ChE. Following intravenous administration to pyridostigmine-pretreated mice, BSA-FITC encapsulated in ChE-sensitive vesicles was distributed into various tissues with marked accumulation in the brain, whereas non-encapsulated (free) BSA-FITC was detected only in peripheral tissues, but not in the brain. These results show that cationic bolaamphiphilic vesicles with ACh head groups are capable of delivering proteins across biological barriers, such as the cell membrane and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Brain ChE activity destabilizes the vesicles and releases the encapsulated protein, enabling its accumulation in the brain.

Site-directed decapsulation of bolaamphiphilic vesicles with enzymatic cleavable surface groups

Stable nano-sized vesicles with a monolayer encapsulating membrane were prepared from novel bolaamphiphiles with choline ester head groups. The head groups were covalently bound to the alkyl chain of the bolaamphiphiles either via the nitrogen atom of the choline moiety, or via the choline ester's methyl group. Both types of bolaamphiphiles competed with acetylthiocholine for binding to acetylcholine esterase (AChE), yet, only the choline ester head groups bound to the alkyl chain via the nitrogen atom of the choline moiety were hydrolyzed by the enzyme. Likewise, only vesicles composed of bolaamphiphiles with head groups that were hydrolyzed by AChE released their encapsulated material upon exposure to the enzyme. Injection of carboxyfluorescein (CF)-loaded vesicles with cleavable choline ester head groups into mice resulted in the accumulation of CF in tissues that express high AChE activity, including the brain. By comparison, when vesicles with choline ester head groups that are not hydrolyzed by AChE were injected into mice, there was no accumulation of CF in tissues that highly express the enzyme. These results imply that bolaamphiphilic vesicles with surface groups that are substrates to enzymes which are highly expressed in target organs may potentially be used as a drug delivery system with controlled site-directed drug release.

Compressibilities and volume fluctuations of archaeal tetraether liposomes

Bipolar tetraether lipids (BTLs) are abundant in crenarchaeota, which thrive in both thermophilic and nonthermophilic environments, with wide-ranging growth temperatures (4-108°C). BTL liposomes can serve as membrane models to explore the role of BTLs in the thermal stability of the plasma membrane of crenarchaeota. In this study, we focus on the liposomes made of the polar lipid fraction E (PLFE). PLFE is one of the main BTLs isolated from the thermoacidophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Using molecular acoustics (ultrasound velocimetry and densimetry), pressure perturbation calorimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry, we have determined partial specific adiabatic and isothermal compressibility, their respective compressibility coefficients, partial specific volume, and relative volume fluctuations of PLFE large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) over a wide range of temperatures (20-85°C). The results are compared with those obtained from liposomes made of dipalmitoyl-L-α-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), a conventional monopolar diester lipid. We found that, in the entire temperature range examined, compressibilities of PLFE LUVs are low, comparable to those found in gel state of DPPC. Relative volume fluctuations of PLFE LUVs at any given temperature examined are 1.6-2.2 times more damped than those found in DPPC LUVs. Both compressibilities and relative volume fluctuations in PLFE LUVs are much less temperature-sensitive than those in DPPC liposomes. The isothermal compressibility coefficient (β(T)(lipid)) of PLFE LUVs changes from 3.59 × 10(-10) Pa(-1) at 25°C to 4.08 × 10(-10) Pa(-1) at 78°C. Volume fluctuations of PLFE LUVs change only 0.25% from 30°C to 80°C. The highly damped volume fluctuations and their low temperature sensitivity, echo that PLFE liposomes are rigid and tightly packed. To our knowledge, the data provide a deeper understanding of lipid packing in PLFE liposomes than has been previously reported, as well as a molecular explanation for the low solute permeation and limited membrane lateral motion. The obtained results may help to establish new strategies for rational design of stable BTL-based liposomes for drug/vaccine delivery.

Isoprenoid biosynthesis in Archaea--biochemical and evolutionary implications

Isoprenoids are indispensable for all types of cellular life in the Archaea, Bacteria, and Eucarya. These membrane-associated molecules are involved in a wide variety of vital biological functions, ranging from compartmentalization and stability, to protection and energy-transduction. In Archaea, isoprenoid compounds constitute the hydrophobic moiety of the typical ether-linked membrane lipids. With respect to stereochemistry and composition, these archaeal lipids are very different from the ester-linked, fatty acid-based phospholipids in bacterial and eukaryotic membranes. This review provides an update on isoprenoid biosynthesis pathways, with a focus on the archaeal enzymes. The black-and-white distribution of fundamentally distinct membrane lipids in Archaea on the one hand, and Bacteria and Eucarya on the other, has previously been used as a basis for hypothetical evolutionary scenarios, a selection of which will be discussed here.

Archaebacterial bipolar tetraether lipids: Physico-chemical and membrane properties

Bipolar tetraether lipids (BTL) are abundant in archaea and can be chemically synthesized. The structures of BTL are distinctly different from the lipids found in bacteria and eukaryotes. In aqueous solution, BTL can form extraordinarily stable liposomes with different sizes, lamellarities and membrane packing densities. BTL liposomes can serve as membrane models for understanding the structure-function relationship of the plasma membrane in thermoacidophiles and can be used for technological applications. This article reviews the separation, characterization and structures of BTL as well as the physical properties and technological applications of BTL liposomes. One of the structural features of BTL is the presence of cyclopentane rings in the lipid hydrocarbon core. Archaea use the cyclopentane ring as an adaptation strategy to cope with high growth temperature. Special attention of this article is focused on how the number of cyclopentane rings varies with environmental factors and affects membrane properties.