Interactions at the lipid–water interface

Understanding the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the physical properties of brain lipid membranes

A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids (ω3 FAs) in the brain has been correlated with cognitive impairment, learning deficiencies, and behavioral changes. In this study, we provided ω3 FAs as a supplement to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR+ ω3). Our focus was on examining the impact of dietary supplementation on the physicochemical properties of the brain-cell membranes. Significant increases in ω3 levels in the cerebral cortex of SHR+ ω3 were observed, leading to alterations in brain lipid membranes molecular packing, elasticity, and lipid miscibility, resulting in an augmented phase disparity. Results from synthetic lipid mixtures confirmed the disordering effect introduced by ω3 lipids, showing its consequences on the hydration levels of the monolayers and the organization of the membrane domains. These findings suggest that dietary ω3 FAs influence the organization of brain membranes, providing insight into a potential mechanism for the broad effects of dietary fat on brain health and disease.

Cholesterol Changes Interfacial Water Alignment in Model Cell Membranes

The nanoscopic layer of water that directly hydrates biological membranes plays a critical role in maintaining the cell structure, regulating biochemical processes, and managing intermolecular interactions at the membrane interface. Therefore, comprehending the membrane structure, including its hydration, is essential for understanding the chemistry of life. While cholesterol is a fundamental lipid molecule in mammalian cells, influencing both the structure and dynamics of cell membranes, its impact on the structure of interfacial water has remained unknown. We used surface-specific vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy to study the effect of cholesterol on the structure and hydration of monolayers of the lipids 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), and egg sphingomyelin (SM). We found that for the unsaturated lipid DOPC, cholesterol intercalates in the membrane without significantly changing the orientation of the lipid tails and the orientation of the water molecules hydrating the headgroups of DOPC. In contrast, for the saturated lipids DPPC and SM, the addition of cholesterol leads to clearly enhanced packing and ordering of the hydrophobic tails. It is also observed that the orientation of the water hydrating the lipid headgroups is enhanced upon the addition of cholesterol. These results are important because the orientation of interfacial water molecules influences the cell membranes' dipole potential and the strength and specificity of interactions between cell membranes and peripheral proteins and other biomolecules. The lipid nature-dependent role of cholesterol in altering the arrangement of interfacial water molecules offers a fresh perspective on domain-selective cellular processes, such as protein binding.

Electrochemical and Infrared Studies of a Model Bilayer of the Outer Membrane of Gram-Negative Bacteria and its Interaction with polymyxin─the Last-Resort Antibiotic

A model bilayer of the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria, composed of lipid A and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DMPE), was assembled on the β-Tg modified gold (111) single crystal surface using a combination of Langmuir-Blodgett and Langmuir-Schaefer transfer. Electrochemical and spectroscopic methods were employed to study the properties of the model bilayer and its interaction with polymyxin. The model bilayer is stable on the gold surface in the transmembrane potential region between 0.0 and -0.7 V. The presence of Mg2+ coordinates with the phosphate and carboxylate groups in the leaflet of lipid A and stabilizes the structure of the model bilayer. Polymyxin causes the model bilayer leakage and damage in the transmembrane potential region between 0.2 and -0.4 V. At transmembrane potentials lower than -0.5 V, polymyxin does not affect the membrane integrity. Polymyxin binds to the phosphate and carboxylate groups in lipid A molecules and causes the increase of the tilt angle of acyl chains and the decrease of the tilt of the C═O bond. The results in this paper indicate that the antimicrobial activity of polymyxin depends on the transmembrane potential at the model bilayer and provides useful information for the development of new antibiotics.

The rise of FTIR spectroscopy in the characterization of asymmetric lipid membranes

In contrast to symmetric unilamellar liposomes (sLUVs) prepared from a mixture of different lipids, asymmetric ones (aLUVs) with different lipid composition in the inner and outer membrane leaflets are more suitable model systems of eukaryotic plasma membranes. However, apart from the challenging preparation of asymmetric liposomes and small amounts of obtained asymmetric unilamellar liposomes (aLUVs), a major drawback is the qualitative characterization of asymmetry, as each of the techniques used so far has certain limitations. In this regard, we prepared aLUVs composed dominantly of DPPC(out)/DPPS(in) lipids and, along with 1H NMR and DSC characterization, we showed for the first time how FTIR spectroscopy can be used in the presence of (a)symmetry between DPPC/DPPS lipid bilayers. Using second derivative FTIR spectra we demonstrated not only that the hydration of lipids glycerol backbone and choline moiety of DPPC differs in s/aLUVs, but in addition that the lateral interactions between hydrocarbon chains during the phase change display different trend in s/aLUVs. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed different chain ordering and packing between s/a bilayers, with a significant influence of temperature, i.e. membrane phase.

The Design and Optimization of Ceramide NP-Loaded Liposomes to Restore the Skin Barrier

The impairment of skin integrity derived from derangement of the orthorhombic lateral organization is mainly caused by dysregulation of ceramide amounts in the skin barrier. Ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol-containing nano-based formulations have been used to impair the skin barrier. However, there is still a challenge to formulate novel formulations consisting of ceramides due to their chemical structure, poor aqueous solubility, and high molecular weight. In this study, the design and optimization of Ceramide 3 (CER-NP)-loaded liposomes are implemented based on response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum CER-NP-loaded liposome was selected based on its particle size (PS) and polydispersity index (PDI). The optimum CER-NP-loaded liposome was imagined by observing the encapsulation by using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) within fluorescently labeled CER-NP. The characteristic liquid crystalline phase and lipid chain conformation of CER-NP-loaded liposomes were determined using attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). The CER-NP-loaded liposomes were imagined using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Finally, the in vitro release of CER-NP from liposomes was examined using modified Franz Cells. The experimental and predicted results were well correlated. The CLSM images of optimized liposomes were conformable with the other studies, and the encapsulation efficiency of CER-NP was 93.84 ± 0.87%. ATR-IR analysis supported the characteristics of the CER-NP-loaded liposome. In addition, the lipid chain conformation shows similarity with skin barrier lipid organization. The release pattern of CER-NP liposomes was fitted with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The cytotoxicity studies carried out on HaCaT keratinocytes supported the idea that the liposomes for topical administration of CER-NP could be considered relatively safe. In conclusion, the optimized CER-NP-loaded liposomes could have the potential to restore the skin barrier function.

Lipid doping of the sponge (L3) mesophase

The polymorphism of lipid aggregates has long attracted detailed study due to the myriad factors that determine the final mesophase observed. This study is driven by the need to understand mesophase behaviour for a number of applications, such as drug delivery and membrane protein crystallography. In the case of the latter, the role of the so-called 'sponge' (L3) mesophase has been often noted, but not extensively studied by itself. The L3 mesophase can be formed in monoolein/water systems on the addition of butanediol to water, which partitions the headgroup region of the membrane, and decreases its elastic moduli. Like cubic mesophases, it is bicontinuous, but unlike them, has no long-range translational symmetry. In our present study, we show that the formation of the L3 phase can delicately depend on the addition of dopant lipids to the mesophase. While electrostatically neutral molecules similar in shape to monoolein (DOPE, cholesterol) have little effect on the general mesophase behaviour, others (DOPC, DDM) significantly reduce the composition at which it can form. Additionally, we show that by combining cholesterol with the anionic lipid DOPG, it is possible to form the largest stable L3 mesophases observed to date, with characteristic lengths over 220 Å.

Statin Action Targets Lipid Rafts of Cell Membranes: GIXD/PM-IRRAS Investigation of Langmuir Monolayers

Lipid rafts are condensed regions of cell membranes rich in cholesterol and sphingomyelin, which constitute the target for anticholesterolemic drugs - statins. In this work, we use for the first time a combined grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD)/polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS)/Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) approach to show the statin effect on model lipid rafts and its components assembled in Langmuir monolayers at the air-water interface. Two representatives of these drugs, fluvastatin (FLU) and cerivastatin (CER), of different hydrophobicity were chosen, while cholesterol (Chol) and sphingomyelin (SM), and their 1:1 mixture were selected to form condensed monolayers of lipid rafts. The effect of statins on the single components of lipid rafts indicated that both the hydrophobicity of the drugs and the organization of the layer determined the drug-lipid interaction. For cholesterol monolayers, only the most hydrophobic CER was effectively changing the film structure, while for the less organized sphingomyelin, the biggest effect was observed for FLU. This drug affected both the polar headgroup region as shown by PM-IRRAS results and the 2D crystalline structure of the SM monolayer as evidenced by GIXD. Measurements performed for Chol/SM 1:1 models proved also that the statin effect depends on the presence of Chol-SM complexes. In this case, the less hydrophobic FLU was not able to penetrate the binary layer at all, while exposure to the hydrophobic CER resulted in the phase separation and formation of ordered assemblies. The changes in the membrane properties were visualized by BAM images and GIXD patterns and confirmed by thermodynamic parameters of hysteresis in the Langmuir monolayer compression-decompression experiments.

Human skeletal dysplasia causing L596P-mutant alters the conserved amino acid pattern at the lipid-water-Interface of TRPV4

TRPV4 is a polymodal and non-selective cation channel that is activated by multiple physical and chemical stimuli. >50 naturally occurring point-mutation of TRPV4 have been identified in human, most of which induce different diseases commonly termed as channelopathies. While, these mutations are either "gain-of-function" or "loss-of-function" in nature, the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms behind such diverse channelopathies are largely unknown. In this work, we analyze the evolutionary conservation of individual amino acids present in the lipid-water-interface (LWI) regions and the relationship of TRPV4 with membrane cholesterol. Our data suggests that the positive-negative charges and hydrophobic-hydrophilic amino acids form "specific patterns" in the LWI region which remain conserved throughout the vertebrate evolution and thus suggesting for the specific microenvironment where TRPV4 remain functional. Notably, Spondylometaphyseal Dysplasia, Kozlowski (SMDK) disease causing L596P mutation disrupts this pattern significantly at the LWI region. L596P mutant also sequesters Caveolin-1 differently, especially in partial cholesterol-depleted (~40 % reduction) conditions. L596P shows altered localization in membrane and enhanced Ca²⁺-influx properties in cell as well as in filopodia-like structures. We propose that conserved pattern of amino acids is an important parameter for proper localization and functions of TRPV4 in physiological conditions. These findings also offer a new paradigm to analyze the channelopathies caused by mutations in LWI regions of other channels as well.

Understanding the Biophysical Interaction of LTX-315 with Tumoral Model Membranes

Host defense peptides are found primarily as natural antimicrobial agents among all lifeforms. These peptides and their synthetic derivatives have been extensively studied for their potential use as therapeutic agents. The most accepted mechanism of action of these peptides is related to a nonspecific mechanism associated with their interaction with the negatively charged groups present in membranes, inducing bilayer destabilization and cell death through several routes. Among the most recently reported peptides, LTX-315 has emerged as an important oncolytic peptide that is currently in several clinical trials against different cancer types. However, there is a lack of biophysical studies regarding LTX-315 and its interaction with membranes. This research focuses primarily on the understanding of the molecular bases of LTX-315's interaction with eukaryotic lipids, based on two artificial systems representative of non-tumoral and tumoral membranes. Additionally, the interaction with individual lipids was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. The results showed a strong interaction of LTX-315 with the negatively charged phosphatidylserine. The results are important for understanding and facilitating the design and development of improved peptides with anticancer activity.

Modulation of Anionic Lipid Bilayers by Specific Interplay of Protons and Calcium Ions

Biomembranes, important building blocks of living organisms, are often exposed to large local fluctuations of pH and ionic strength. To capture changes in the membrane organization under such harsh conditions, we investigated the mobility and hydration of zwitterionic and anionic lipid bilayers upon elevated H₃O⁺ and Ca²⁺ content by the time-dependent fluorescence shift (TDFS) technique. While the zwitterionic bilayers remain inert to lower pH and increased calcium concentrations, anionic membranes are responsive. Specifically, both bilayers enriched in phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) become dehydrated and rigidified at pH 4.0 compared to at pH 7.0. However, their reaction to the gradual Ca²⁺ increase in the acidic environment differs. While the PG bilayers exhibit strong rehydration and mild loosening of the carbonyl region, restoring membrane properties to those observed at pH 7.0, the PS bilayers remain dehydrated with minor bilayer stiffening. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations support the strong binding of H₃O⁺ to both PS and PG. Compared to PS, PG exhibits a weaker binding of Ca²⁺ also at a low pH.

Biomembrane lipids: When physics and chemistry join to shape biological activity

Biomembranes constitute the first lines of defense of cells. While small molecules can often permeate cell walls in bacteria and plants, they are generally unable to penetrate the barrier constituted by the double layer of phospholipids, unless specific receptors or channels are present. Antimicrobial or cell-penetrating peptides are in fact highly specialized molecules able to bypass this barrier and even discriminate among different cell types. This capacity is made possible by the intrinsic properties of its phospholipids, their distribution between the internal and external leaflet, and their ability to mutually interact, modulating the membrane fluidity and the exposition of key headgroups. Although common phospholipids can be found in the membranes of most organisms, some are characteristic of specific cell types. Here, we review the properties of the most common lipids and describe how they interact with each other in biomembrane. We then discuss how their assembly in bilayers determines some key physical-chemical properties such as permeability, potential and phase status. Finally, we describe how the exposition of specific phospholipids determines the recognition of cell types by membrane-targeting molecules.

Phospholipid acyl tail affects lipid headgroup orientation and membrane hydration

Biomembrane hydration is crucial for understanding processes at biological interfaces. While the effect of the lipid headgroup has been studied extensively, the effect (if any) of the acyl chain chemical structure on lipid-bound interfacial water has remained elusive. We study model membranes composed of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipids, the most abundant lipids in biomembranes. We explore the extent to which the lipid headgroup packing and associated water organization are affected by the lipid acyl tail unsaturation and chain length. To this end, we employ a combination of surface-sensitive techniques, including sum-frequency generation spectroscopy, surface pressure measurements, and Brewster angle microscopy imaging. Our results reveal that the acyl tail structure critically affects the headgroup phosphate orientational distribution and lipid-associated water molecules, for both PE and PC lipid monolayers at the air/water interface. These insights reveal the importance of acyl chain chemistry in determining not only membrane fluidity but also membrane hydration.

Algorithm to catalogue topologies of dynamic lipid hydrogen-bond networks

Lipid membrane interfaces host reactions essential for the functioning of cells. The hydrogen-bonding environment at the membrane interface is particularly important for binding of proteins, drug molecules, and ions. We present here the implementation and applications of a depth-first search algorithm that analyzes dynamic lipid interaction networks. Lipid hydrogen-bond networks sampled transiently during simulations of lipid bilayers are clustered according to main types of topologies that characterize three-dimensional arrangements of lipids connected to each other via short water bridges. We characterize the dynamics of hydrogen-bonded lipid clusters in simulations of model POPE and POPE:POPG membranes that are often used for bacterial membrane proteins, in a model of the Escherichia coli membrane with six different lipid types, and in POPS membranes. We find that all lipids sample dynamic hydrogen-bonded networks with linear, star, or circular arrangements of the lipid headgroups, and larger networks with combinations of these three types of topologies. Overall, linear lipid-water bridges tend to be short. Water-mediated lipid clusters in all membranes with PE lipids tend to be somewhat small, with about four lipids in all membranes studied here. POPS membranes allow circular arrangements of three POPS lipids to be sampled frequently, and complex arrangements of linear, star, and circular paths may also be sampled. These findings suggest a molecular picture of the membrane interface whereby lipid molecules transiently connect in clusters with somewhat small spatial extension.

Revealing local molecular distribution, orientation, phase separation, and formation of domains in artificial lipid layers: Towards comprehensive characterization of biological membranes

Lipids, together with molecules such as DNA and proteins, are one of the most relevant systems responsible for the existence of life. Selected lipids are able to assembly into various organized structures, such as lipid membranes. The unique properties of lipid membranes determine their complex functions, not only to separate biological environments, but also to participate in regulatory functions, absorption of nutrients, cell-cell communication, endocytosis, cell signaling, and many others. Despite numerous scientific efforts, still little is known about the reason underlying the variability within lipid membranes, and its biochemical significance. In this review, we discuss the structural complexity of lipid membranes, as well as the importance to simplify studied systems in order to understand phenomena occurring in natural, complex membranes. Such systems require a model interface to be analyzed. Therefore, here we focused on analytical studies of artificial systems at various interfaces. The molecular structure of lipid membranes, specifically the nanometric thickens of molecular bilayer, limits in a major extent the choice of highly sensitive methods suitable to study such structures. Therefore, we focused on methods that combine high sensitivity, and/or chemical selectivity, and/or nanometric spatial resolution, such as atomic force microscopy, nanospectroscopy (tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, infrared nanospectroscopy), phase modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy, sum-frequency generation spectroscopy. We summarized experimental and theoretical approaches providing information about molecular structure and composition, lipid spatial distribution (phase separation), organization (domain shape, molecular orientation) of lipid membranes, and real-time visualization of the influence of various molecules (proteins, drugs) on their integrity. An integral part of this review discusses the latest achievements in the field of lipid layer-based biosensors.

Surface Chemistry Studies on the Formation of Mixed Stearic Acid/Phenylalanine Dehydrogenase Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett Films

This work investigates the physicochemical properties of mixed stearic acid (HSt)/phenylalanine dehydrogenase enzyme (PheDH) Langmuir films and their immobilization onto solid supports as Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films. PheDH from the aqueous subphase enters the surfactant matrix up to an exclusion surface pressure of 25.3 mN/m, leading to the formation of stable and highly condensed mixed Langmuir monolayers. Hydrophobic interactions between the enzyme and HSt nonpolar groups tuned the secondary structure of PheDH, evidenced by the presence of β-sheet structures as demonstrated by infrared and circular dichroism spectra. The floating monolayers were successfully transferred to solid quartz supports, yielding Y-type LB films, and then characterized employing fluorescence, circular dichroism, and microscopic techniques, which indicated that PheDH was co-immobilized with HSt proportionally to the number of transferred layers. The enzyme fluidized the HSt monolayers, reducing their maximum dipoles when condensed to their maximum, and disorganized the alkyl chains of the fatty acid, as detected with infrared spectroscopy. The stability of the mixed floating monolayers enabled their transfer to solid supports as LB films, which is important for producing optical and electrochemical sensors for phenylalanine whose molecular architecture can be controlled with precision.

Chemical and morphological effects of the contraceptive hormone 17 α-ethynylestradiol on fluid lipid membranes

The lack of studies involving the effects in human health associated with the chronic ingestion of pollutants lead to the path of investigating the action of these compounds in cell membrane models. We demonstrated the interaction (causes and consequences) of the hormone 17 α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) with lipid monolayers (prepared as Langmuir films) and bilayers prepared as small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). Both fluidity and majority chemical composition of real plasma cell membrane were guaranteed using the phospholipid 1-palmitoil-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (POPC). Surface pressure-mean molecular area (π-A) isotherms and PM-IRRAS measurements highlighted the strong interaction of EE2 with POPC monolayers, leading the hormone to remain at the air/water interface and promoting its penetration into the phospholipid hydrophobic chains. In the case of bilayers, the entrance of the hormone inside the SUV is likely facilitated by their high curvature. In GUVs, EE2 was responsible for changes in the spherical shape, forming structures like buds and lipid protrusions. The set of results indicates the strong effects of EE2 on fluid membranes, which is an important feature to predict its damage in human cells.

Mefloquine synergism with anti-tuberculosis drugs and correlation to membrane effects: Biologic, spectroscopic and molecular dynamics simulations studies

Studies displaying the combination of mefloquine (MFL) with anti-tuberculosis (TB) substances are limited in the literature. In this work, the effect of MFL-association with two first-line anti-TB drugs and six fluoroquinolones was evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistant strains. MFL showed synergistic interaction with isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and several fluoroquinolones, reaching fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICIs) ranging from 0.03 to 0.5. In order to better understand the observed results, two approaches have been explored: (i) spectroscopic responses attributed to the effect of MFL on physicochemical properties related to a liposomal membrane model composed by soybean asolectin; (ii) molecular dynamics (MD) simulation data regarding MFL interaction with a membrane model based on PIM₂, a lipid constituent of the mycobacterial cell wall. FTIR and NMR data showed that MFL affects expressively the region between the phosphate and the first methylene groups of soybean asolectin membranes, disordering these regions. MD simulations results detected high MFL density in the glycolipid interface and showed that the drug increases the membrane lateral diffusion, enhancing its permeability. The obtained results suggest that synergistic activities related to MFL are attributed to its effect of lipid disorder and membrane permeability enhancement.

Effect of cholecalciferol on unsaturated model membranes

Vitamin D plays an important role in many physiological processes, particularly calcium and phosphorous homeostasis. The biochemistry of vitamin D is also complex, encompassing a range of active molecules that may be either endogenous or dietary in origin. The role of lipids and fats in the production, processing and use of vitamin D is an interesting one, with a relative paucity of model studies into the interactions of vitamin D with lipidic systems such as micelles and vesicles. Here, we have studied the effect of vitamin D3 in simple unsaturated phospholipid systems. We used NMR and FTIR spectroscopy to investigate the effect of increasing vitamin D concentration on the structure and dynamics of the lipid chains and interfacial region. In order to link these model studies with more complex biomimetic environments, we compare results in the presence of buffer and vitamin D binding protein. We have also used DLS to determine that vitamin D3-DOPC vesicles can retain their size distribution for varying amounts of time in different conditions. We find that the acyl chain region of vitamin D3-DOPC membranes are generally disordered, and that the addition of buffer and/or protein alters the properties of the interfacial region.

Molecular Basis of the Anticancer and Antibacterial Properties of CecropinXJ Peptide: An In Silico Study

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive lethal malignancy causing thousands of deaths every year. While current treatments have poor outcomes, cecropinXJ (CXJ) is one of the very few peptides with demonstrated in vivo activity. The great interest in CXJ stems from its low toxicity and additional activity against most ESKAPE bacteria and fungi. Here, we present the first study of its mechanism of action based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and sequence-property alignment. Although unstructured in solution, predictions highlight the presence of two helices separated by a flexible hinge containing P24 and stabilized by the interaction of W2 with target biomembranes: an amphipathic helix-I and a poorly structured helix-II. Both MD and sequence-property alignment point to the important role of helix I in both the activity and the interaction with biomembranes. MD reveals that CXJ interacts mainly with phosphatidylserine (PS) but also with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) headgroups, both found in the outer leaflet of cancer cells, while salt bridges with phosphate moieties are prevalent in bacterial biomimetic membranes composed of PE, phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin (CL). The antibacterial activity of CXJ might also explain its interaction with mitochondria, whose phospholipid composition recalls that of bacteria and its capability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

Ultrafast Dynamics at the Lipid-Water Interface: DMSO Modulates H-Bond Lifetimes

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a common cosolvent and cryopreservation agent used to freeze cells and tissues. DMSO alters the H-bond structure of water, but its interactions with biomolecules and, specifically, with biological interfaces remain poorly understood. Here we investigate the effects of DMSO on the H-bond dynamics at the lipid-water interface using a combination of ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Ester carbonyl absorption spectra show that DMSO dehydrates the interface, and simulations show that the area per lipid is decreased. Ultrafast 2D IR spectra measure the time scales of frequency fluctuations at the ester carbonyl positions located precisely between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions of the membrane. 2D IR measurements show that low DMSO concentrations (<10 mol %) induce ∼40% faster H-bond dynamics compared with pure water, whereas increased concentrations (>10-20 mol %) once again slow down the dynamics. This slow-fast-slow trend is described in terms of two different solvation regimes. Below 10 mol %, DMSO weakens the interfacial H bond, leading to faster "bulk-like" dynamics, whereas above 10 mol %, water molecules become "relatively immobilized" as the H-bond networks becoming disrupted by the H-bond donor/acceptor imbalance at the interface. These studies are an important step toward characterizing the environments around lipid membranes, which are essential to numerous biological processes.

Acetogenins from Annonaceae family. Their potential biological applications

The aim of this contribution has been to continue with the knowledge about newly isolated acetogenins from Annonaceae family for the last fifteen years. This review will report classification, extraction, isolation, elucidation of the structure, biological activities and mechanism of action of such interesting natural products. In fact, out of the 532 compounds reviewed, 115 previously non-described annonaceous acetogenins have been added to the list of isolated compounds from 2005 to May 2019.

Calcium-Lipid Interactions Observed with Isotope-Edited Infrared Spectroscopy

Calcium ions bind to lipid membranes containing anionic lipids; however, characterizing the specific ion-lipid interactions in multicomponent membranes has remained challenging because it requires nonperturbative lipid-specific probes. Here, using a combination of isotope-edited infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, we characterize the effects of a physiologically relevant (2 mM) Ca²⁺ concentration on zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine and anionic phosphatidylserine lipids in mixed lipid membranes. We show that Ca²⁺ alters hydrogen bonding between water and lipid headgroups by forming a coordination complex involving the lipid headgroups and water. These interactions distort interfacial water orientations and prevent hydrogen bonding with lipid ester carbonyls. We demonstrate, experimentally, that these effects are more pronounced for the anionic phosphatidylserine lipids than for zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine lipids in the same membrane.

Influence of phenothiazine molecules on the interactions between positively charged poly-l-lysine and negatively charged DPPC/DPPG membranes

Phenothiazines are very effective antipsychotic drugs, which also have anticancer and antimicrobial activities. Despite being used in human treatment, the molecular mechanism of the biological actions of these molecules is not yet understood in detail. The role of the interactions between phenothiazines and proteins or lipid membranes has been much discussed. Herein, fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic studies were used to investigate the effect of three phenothiazines: fluphenazine (FPh); chlorpromazine (ChP); and propionylpromazine (PP) on the structures of a positively charged poly-l-lysine (PLL) peptide, a negatively charged dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPC/DPPG) membrane, and on the mutual interactions between electrostatically associated PLL molecules and DPPC/DPPG membranes. Phenothiazine-induced alterations in the secondary structure of PLL, the conformational state (trans/gauche) of the hydrocarbon lipid chains, and the hydration of the DPPC/DPPG membrane interface were studied on the basis of amide I' vibrations, antisymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of the CH₂ groups of the lipid hydrocarbon chains (ν_sCH₂), and stretching vibrations of the lipid C=O groups (νC = O), respectively. It was shown that in the presence of negatively charged DPPC/DPPG membranes, the phenothiazines were able to modify the secondary structure of charged PLL molecules. Additionally, the effect of PLL on the structure of DPPC/DPPG membranes was also altered by the presence of the phenothiazine molecules.

Interaction of N-acetylcysteine with DPPC liposomes at different pH: a physicochemical study

The N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a commonly used mucolytic and antioxidant agent.

Broadband dielectric spectroscopy from sub GHz to THz of hydrated lipid bilayer of DMPC

In order to study the dynamics of a phospholipid and its hydration water, we measured complex dielectric spectra of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) from the sub-GHz to the THz frequency region with varying the temperature and hydration level of the sample. Spectra obtained from a vector network analyzer and two terahertz time-domain spectrometers are adjusted, which enables us to analyze the dielectric spectra from the sub-GHz region to the THz region by a model function. We confirmed a fast relaxational mode in the sub-THz region, which was suggested by the previous work which only used a THz spectrometer.

Unraveling the Origin of the Apparent Charge of Zwitterionic Lipid Layers

The structure of water molecules in contact with zwitterionic lipid molecules is of great biological relevance, because biological membranes are largely composed of such lipids. The interaction of the interfacial water molecules with the amphiphilic lipid molecules drives the formation of membranes and greatly influences various processes at the membrane surface, as the field that arises from the aligned interfacial water molecules masks the charges of the lipid headgroups from the approaching metabolites. To increase our understanding of the influence of water molecules on biological processes we study their structure at the interface using sum-frequency generation spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Interestingly, we find that water molecules at zwitterionic lipid molecules are mainly oriented by the field arising between the two oppositely charged molecular moieties within the lipid headgroups.

Interactions of Casein and Polypeptides in Multilayer Films Studied by FTIR and Molecular Dynamics

Multilayer films containing α- and β-casein and polypeptides, poly-L-lysine (PLL), and poly-L-arginine (PLArg) were formed by the layer-by-layer technique and Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR) and FTIR/Grazing Angle analyzed their infrared spectra. We investigated the changes of conformations of casein and polypeptides in the complexes formed during the build-up of the films. To elucidate the differences in the mechanism of complex formation leading to various growths of (PLL/casein)_n and (PLArg/casein)_n films, we performed the molecular dynamics simulations of the systems consisting of short PLL and PLArg chains and the representative peptide chains—casein fragments, which consists of several aminoacid sequences. The results of the simulation indicated the preferential formation of hydrogen bonds of poly-L-arginine with phosphoserine and glutamic acid residues of caseins. FTIR spectra confirmed those, which revealed greater conformational changes during the formation of casein complex with poly-L-arginine than with poly-L-lysine resulting from stronger interactions, which was also reflected in the bigger growth of (PLArg/casein)_n films with the number of deposited layers.

Correlation between the hydration of acyl chains and phosphate groups in lipid bilayers: Effect of phase state, head group, chain length, double bonds and carbonyl groups

This paper demonstrates by means of FTIR/ATR analysis that water molecules intercalate at different extents in the acyl chain region of lipid membranes in correlation with the hydration of the phosphate groups. This correlation is sensible to the chain length, the presence of double bonds and the phase state of the lipid membrane. The presence of carbonyl groups CO modifies the profile of hydration of the two regions as observed from the comparison of DMPC and 14:0 Diether PC. The different water populations in lipid interphases would give arrangements with different free energy states that could drive the interaction of biological effectors with membranes.

Interaction of Short Pentavalent Cationic Peptides with Negatively Charged DPPG Monolayers and Bilayers: Influence of Peptide Modifications on Binding

The binding of oligopeptides with the structure (RX)₄R and (KXX)₄K, with X being the amino acid G or A, to lipid monolayers and bilayers of dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) was studied and compared to the binding effects of peptides with the structure (KX)₄K. The monolayer adsorption experiments again showed the superposition of condensation effects due to charge compensation and insertion of amino acid side chains leading to expansion of the monolayer. The latter effect was enhanced when glycine was replaced by alanine. The thermotropic phase behavior of dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) bilayer membranes and their mixtures with short cationic model peptides was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy. Increasing the charge distance of the lysine residues in the series (K)₅, (KG)₄K, and (KGG)₄K results in an upshift of the main phase transition of DPPG up to 5 K, as predicted for pure electrostatic binding. All peptides exhibit only unordered structures in bulk solution as well as when bound to DPPG bilayers. (KGG)₄K additionally shows a high propensity of turn structures due to its flexibility. The exchange of glycine by alanine in (KAA)₄K leads only to a marginal increase in T_m, in contrast to the binding of (KA)₄K where the formation of intervesicular antiparallel β-sheets occurs, leading to a much more pronounced stabilization of the gel phase. This shows that the sequence and flexibility of the oligopeptides has an important influence on the formation of secondary structures bound to the bilayers. Binding of (RX)₄R peptides to DPPG bilayers has almost no influence on the lipid phase transition in bilayers. Here, condensation and insertion effects almost compensate, as the results of monolayer experiments show. This is due to the higher propensity of arginine side chains to insert into the lipid headgroup region.

Physiological Calcium Concentrations Slow Dynamics at the Lipid-Water Interface

Phospholipids can interact strongly with ions at physiological concentrations, and these interactions can alter membrane properties. Here, we describe the effects of calcium ions on the dynamics in phospholipid membranes. We used a combination of time-resolved ultrafast two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. We found that millimolar Ca²⁺ concentrations lead to slower fluctuations in the local environment at the lipid-water interface of membranes with phosphatidylserine. The effect was only observed in bilayers containing anionic phosphatidylserine; membranes composed of only zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine did not experience a slowdown. Local water dynamics were measured using the ester groups as label-free probes and were found to be up to 50% slower with 2.5 mM Ca²⁺. Molecular dynamics simulations show that Ca²⁺ primarily binds to the carboxylate group of phosphatidylserines. These findings have implications for apoptotic and diseased cells in which phosphatidylserine is exposed to extracellular calcium and for the biophysical effects of divalent cations on lipid bilayers.

Influence of resveratrol on interactions between negatively charged DPPC/DPPG membranes and positively charged poly-l-lysine

Resveratrol (Res), a natural polyphenol present in different plants and vegetables, exhibits potential therapeutic activity with cardioprotective, antineurodegenerative, antioxidant, and antitumor action. In this study, the effect of Res on the mutual interactions between positively charged poly-l-lysine (PLL) and negatively charged dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPC/DPPG) membranes was studied using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy supported by principal component analysis (PCA). The interactions between PLL and DPPC/DPPG membranes were strongly affected by the presence of Res molecules. Depending on the Res concentration and method of its supply (through the water or lipid phase) to the studied peptide-membrane systems, the membrane-induced transition of PLL from an α-helix to an extended left-handed polyproline II helix (PPII) occurred at different temperatures, with different cooperativity, or was even completely suppressed. The influence of PLL on the conformational (trans/gauche) state of the hydrocarbon chain region of the lipid membranes and the hydration state of the polar/apolar membrane interface was also modulated by Res, depending on the membrane phase state.

Preferential selection of Arginine at the lipid-water-interface of TRPV1 during vertebrate evolution correlates with its snorkeling behaviour and cholesterol interaction

TRPV1 is a thermo-sensitive ion channel involved in neurosensory and other physiological functions. The trans-membrane helices of TRPV1 undergo quick and complex conformational changes governed by thermodynamic parameters and membrane components leading to channel opening. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such events are poorly understood. Here we analysed the molecular evolution of TRPV1 at the lipid-water-interface region (LWI), typically defined as a layer of 6 Å thickness on each side of the membrane with less availability of free water. Amino acids demarcating the end of the trans-membrane helices are highly conserved. Residues present in the inner leaflet are more conserved and have been preferentially selected over others. Amino acids with snorkeling properties (Arginine and Tyrosine) undergo specific selection during the vertebrate evolution in a cholesterol-dependent and/or body temperature manner. Results suggest that H-bond formation between the OH- group of cholesterol and side chain of Arg557 or Arg575 at the inner leaflet is a critical parameter that can regulate channel functions. Different LWI mutants of TRPV1 have altered membrane localization and deficient colocalization with lipid raft markers. These findings may help to understand the lipid-protein interactions, and molecular basis of different neuronal functions. Such findings may have broad importance in the context of differential sensory responses, pathophysiologies, and application of pharmacological drugs such as anaesthetics acting on TRPVs.

Characterization of interactions of eggPC lipid structures with different biomolecules

In this paper we study the interactions of two biomolecules (ascorbic acid and Annonacin) with a bilayer lipid membrane. Egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (eggPC) liposomes (in crystalline liquid state) were prepared in solutions of ascorbic acid (AA) at different concentration levels. On the other hand, liposomes were doped with Annonacin (Ann), a mono-tetrahydrofuran acetogenin (ACG), which is an effective citotoxic substance. While AA pharmacologic effect and action mechanisms are widely known, those of Ann's are only very recently being studied. Both Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic techniques were used to study the participation of the main functional groups of the lipid bilayer involved in the membrane-solution interaction. The obtained spectra were comparatively analyzed, studying the spectral bands corresponding to both the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic regions in the lipid bilayer. Electrochemical experiments namely; impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltamperometry (CV) were used as the main characterization techniques to analyse stability and structural changes of a model system of supported EggPC bilayer in connection with its interactions with AA and Ann. At high molar ratios of AA, there is dehydration in both populations of the carbonyl group of the polar head of the lipid. On the other hand, Ann promotes the formation of hydrogen bonds with the carbonyl groups. No interaction between AA and phosphate groups is observed at low and intermediate molar ratios. Ann is expected to be able to induce the dehydration of the phosphate groups without the subsequent formation of H bonds with them. According to the electrochemical analysis, the interaction of AA with the supported lipid membrane does not alter its dielectric properties. This fact can be related to the conservation of structured water of the phosphate groups in the polar heads of the lipid. On the other hand, the incorporation of Ann into the lipid membrane generates an increase in the number of defects while changes the dielectric constant. This, in turn, can be associated with the induced dehydration of the phosphate groups.

IR spectroscopy analysis of pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 interaction with phospholipids: 3. Monitoring DPPC lipolysis in mixed micelles

Usual methods for the continuous assay of lipolytic enzyme activities are mainly based on the titration of free fatty acids, surface pressure monitoring or spectrophotometry using substrates labeled with specific probes. These approaches only give a partial information on the chemistry of the lipolysis reaction and additional end-point analyses are often required to quantify both residual substrate and lipolysis products. We used transmission infrared (IR) spectroscopy to monitor simultaneously the hydrolysis of phospholipids by guinea pig pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (GPLRP2) and the release of lipolysis products. The substrate (DPPC, 1,2-Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine) was mixed with sodium taurodeoxycholate (NaTDC) to form mixed micelles in D₂O buffer at pD 6 and 8. After hydrogen/deuterium exchange, DPPC hydrolysis by GPLRP2 (100nM) was monitored at 35°C in a liquid cell by recording IR spectra and time-course variations in the CO stretching region. These changes were correlated to variations in the concentrations of DPPC, lysophospholipids (lysoPC) and palmitic acid (Pam) using calibration curves established with these compounds individually mixed with NaTDC. We were thus able to quantify each compound and its time-course variations during the phospholipolysis reaction and to estimate the enzyme activity. To validate the IR analysis, variations in residual DPPC, lysoPC and Pam were also quantified by thin-layer chromatography coupled to densitometry and similar hydrolysis profiles were obtained using both methods. IR spectroscopy can therefore be used to monitor the enzymatic hydrolysis of phospholipids and obtain simultaneously chemical and physicochemical information on substrate and all reaction products (H-bonding, hydration, acyl chain mobility).

IR spectroscopy analysis of pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 interaction with phospholipids: 2. Discriminative recognition of various micellar systems and characterization of PLRP2-DPPC-bile salt complexes

The interaction of pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (PLRP2) with various micelles containing phospholipids was investigated using pHstat enzyme activity measurements, differential light scattering, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and transmission IR spectroscopy. Various micelles of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and lysophosphatidylcholine were prepared with either bile salts (sodium taurodeoxycholate or glycodeoxycholate) or Triton X-100, which are substrate-dispersing agents commonly used for measuring phospholipase activities. PLRP2 displayed a high activity on all phospholipid-bile salt micelles, but was totally inactive on phospholipid-Triton X-100 micelles. These findings clearly differentiate PLRP2 from secreted pancreatic phospholipase A2 which is highly active on both types of micelles. Using an inactive variant of PLRP2, SEC experiments allowed identifying two populations of PLRP2-DPPC-bile salt complexes corresponding to a high molecular weight 1:1 PLRP2-micelle association and to a low molecular weight association of PLRP2 with few monomers of DPPC/bile salts. IR spectroscopy analysis showed how DPPC-bile salt micelles differ from DPPC-Triton X-100 micelles by a higher fluidity of acyl chains and higher hydration/H-bonding of the interfacial carbonyl region. The presence of bile salts allowed observing changes in the IR spectrum of DPPC upon addition of PLRP2 (higher rigidity of acyl chains, dehydration of the interfacial carbonyl region), while no change was observed with Triton X-100. The differences between these surfactants and their impact on substrate recognition by PLRP2 are discussed, as well as the mechanism by which high and low molecular weight PLRP2-DPPC-bile salt complexes may be involved in the overall process of DPPC hydrolysis.

Detection of Sphingomyelin Clusters by Raman Spectroscopy

Sphingomyelin (SM) is a major sphingolipid in mammalian cells that forms specific lipid domains in combination with cholesterol (Chol). Using molecular-dynamics simulation and density functional theory calculation, we identified a characteristic Raman band of SM at ∼1643 cm(-1) as amide I of the SM cluster. Experimental results indicate that this band is sensitive to the hydration of SM and the presence of Chol. We showed that this amide I Raman band can be utilized to examine the membrane distribution of SM. Similarly to SM, ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CerPE) exhibited an amide I Raman band in almost the same region, although CerPE lacks three methyl groups in the phosphocholine moiety of SM. In contrast to SM, the amide I band of CerPE was not affected by Chol, suggesting the importance of the methyl groups of SM in the SM-Chol interaction.

Interaction of acylated and unacylated forms of E. coli alpha-hemolysin with lipid monolayers: a PM-IRRAS study

Uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli produce virulence factors, such as the protein toxin alpha-hemolysin (HlyA), that enable the bacteria to colonize the host and establish an infection. HlyA is synthetized as a protoxin (ProHlyA) that is transformed into the active form in the bacterial cytosol by the covalent linkage of two fatty-acyl moieties to the polypeptide chain before the secretion of HlyA into the extracellular medium. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the fatty acylation of HlyA on protein conformation and protein-membrane interactions. Polarization-modulated infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) experiments were performed at the air-water interface, and lipid monolayers mimicking the outer leaflet of red-blood-cell membranes were used as model systems for the study of protein-membrane interaction. According to surface-pressure measurements, incorporation of the acylated protein into the lipid films was faster than that of the nonacylated form. PM-IRRAS measurements revealed that the adsorption of the proteins to the lipid monolayers induced disorder in the lipid acyl chains and also changed the elastic properties of the films independently of protein acylation. No significant difference was observed between HlyA and ProHlyA in the interaction with the model lipid monolayers; but when these proteins became adsorbed on a bare air-water interface, they adopted different secondary structures. The assumption of the correct protein conformation at a hydrophobic-hydrophilic interface could constitute a critical condition for biologic activity.