1
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Bhatia T. Stability of multilamellar lipid tubules in excess water. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:749-756. [PMID: 37882815 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01686-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
In the lyotropic phase of lipids with excess water, multilamellar tubules (MLTs) grow from defects. A phenomenological model for the stability of MLTs is developed that is universal and independent of the underlying growth mechanisms of MLTs. The stability of MLTs implies that they are in hydrostatic equilibrium and stable as elastic objects that have compression and bending elasticity. The results show that even with solvent pressure differences of 0.1 atm, the density profile is not significantly altered, so suggesting the stability is due to the trapped solvent. The results are of sufficient value in relation to lamellar stability models and may have implications beyond the described MLT models, especially in other models of membrane systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tripta Bhatia
- Department of Physical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Sector 81, Knowledge City, Manauli, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India.
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2
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Martynowycz MW, Andreev K, Mor A, Gidalevitz D. Cancer-Associated Gangliosides as a Therapeutic Target for Host Defense Peptide Mimics. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:12541-12549. [PMID: 37647566 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant levels of glycolipids expressed on cellular surfaces are characteristic of different types of cancers. The oligomer of acylated lysine (OAK) mimicking antimicrobial peptides displays in vitro activity against human and murine melanoma cell lines with upregulated GD3 and GM3 gangliosides. Herein, we demonstrate the capability of OAK to intercalate into the sialo-oligosaccharides of DPPC/GD3 and DPPC/GM3 lipid monolayers using X-ray scattering. The lack of insertion into monolayers containing phosphatidylserine suggests that the mechanism of action by OAKs against glycosylated lipid membranes is not merely driven by charge effects. The fluorescence microscopy data demonstrates the membrane-lytic activity of OAK. Understanding the molecular basis for selectivity toward GD3 and GM3 gangliosides by antimicrobial lipopeptides will contribute to the development of novel therapies to cure melanoma and other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Martynowycz
- Department of Physics, Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter (μCoSM), Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 10 W 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
| | - Konstantin Andreev
- Department of Physics, Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter (μCoSM), Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 10 W 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
| | - Amram Mor
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - David Gidalevitz
- Department of Physics, Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter (μCoSM), Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 10 W 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
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3
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Lipowsky R, Pramanik S, Benk AS, Tarnawski M, Spatz JP, Dimova R. Elucidating the Morphology of the Endoplasmic Reticulum: Puzzles and Perspectives. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37377213 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Artificial or synthetic organelles are a key challenge for bottom-up synthetic biology. So far, synthetic organelles have typically been based on spherical membrane compartments, used to spatially confine selected chemical reactions. In vivo, these compartments are often far from being spherical and can exhibit rather complex architectures. A particularly fascinating example is provided by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which extends throughout the whole cell by forming a continuous network of membrane nanotubes connected by three-way junctions. The nanotubes have a typical diameter of between 50 and 100 nm. In spite of much experimental progress, several fundamental aspects of the ER morphology remain elusive. A long-standing puzzle is the straight appearance of the tubules in the light microscope, which form irregular polygons with contact angles close to 120°. Another puzzling aspect is the nanoscopic shapes of the tubules and junctions, for which very different images have been obtained by electron microcopy and structured illumination microscopy. Furthermore, both the formation and maintenance of the reticular networks require GTP and GTP-hydrolyzing membrane proteins. In fact, the networks are destroyed by the fragmentation of nanotubes when the supply of GTP is interrupted. Here, it is argued that all of these puzzling observations are intimately related to each other and to the dimerization of two membrane proteins anchored to the same membrane. So far, the functional significance of this dimerization process remained elusive and, thus, seemed to waste a lot of GTP. However, this process can generate an effective membrane tension that stabilizes the irregular polygonal geometry of the reticular networks and prevents the fragmentation of their tubules, thereby maintaining the integrity of the ER. By incorporating the GTP-hydrolyzing membrane proteins into giant unilamellar vesicles, the effective membrane tension will become accessible to systematic experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Lipowsky
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Shreya Pramanik
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Amelie S Benk
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Joachim P Spatz
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
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4
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Lipowsky R, Ghosh R, Satarifard V, Sreekumari A, Zamaletdinov M, Różycki B, Miettinen M, Grafmüller A. Leaflet Tensions Control the Spatio-Temporal Remodeling of Lipid Bilayers and Nanovesicles. Biomolecules 2023; 13:926. [PMID: 37371505 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological and biomimetic membranes are based on lipid bilayers, which consist of two monolayers or leaflets. To avoid bilayer edges, which form when the hydrophobic core of such a bilayer is exposed to the surrounding aqueous solution, a single bilayer closes up into a unilamellar vesicle, thereby separating an interior from an exterior aqueous compartment. Synthetic nanovesicles with a size below 100 nanometers, traditionally called small unilamellar vesicles, have emerged as potent platforms for the delivery of drugs and vaccines. Cellular nanovesicles of a similar size are released from almost every type of living cell. The nanovesicle morphology has been studied by electron microscopy methods but these methods are limited to a single snapshot of each vesicle. Here, we review recent results of molecular dynamics simulations, by which one can monitor and elucidate the spatio-temporal remodeling of individual bilayers and nanovesicles. We emphasize the new concept of leaflet tensions, which control the bilayers' stability and instability, the transition rates of lipid flip-flops between the two leaflets, the shape transformations of nanovesicles, the engulfment and endocytosis of condensate droplets and rigid nanoparticles, as well as nanovesicle adhesion and fusion. To actually compute the leaflet tensions, one has to determine the bilayer's midsurface, which represents the average position of the interface between the two leaflets. Two particularly useful methods to determine this midsurface are based on the density profile of the hydrophobic lipid chains and on the molecular volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Lipowsky
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rikhia Ghosh
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
- Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Vahid Satarifard
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
- Yale Institute for Network Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Aparna Sreekumari
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad 678 623, India
| | - Miftakh Zamaletdinov
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Bartosz Różycki
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Aleja Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Markus Miettinen
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Andrea Grafmüller
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
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5
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Wu H, Ou-Yang ZC, Podgornik R. A Note on Vestigial Osmotic Pressure. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:332. [PMID: 36984719 PMCID: PMC10058475 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent experiments have indicated that at least a part of the osmotic pressure across the giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) membrane was balanced by the rapid formation of the monodisperse daughter vesicles inside the GUVs through an endocytosis-like process. Therefore, we investigated a possible osmotic role played by these daughter vesicles for the maintenance of osmotic regulation in the GUVs and, by extension, in living cells. We highlighted a mechanism whereby the daughter vesicles acted as osmotically active solutes (osmoticants), contributing an extra vestigial osmotic pressure component across the membrane of the parent vesicle, and we showed that the consequences were consistent with experimental observations. Our results highlight the significance of osmotic regulation in cellular processes, such as fission/fusion, endocytosis, and exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Zhong-Can Ou-Yang
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Rudolf Podgornik
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Kavli Institute for Theoretical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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6
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Katke C, Pedrueza-Villalmanzo E, Spustova K, Ryskulov R, Kaplan CN, Gözen I. Colony-like Protocell Superstructures. ACS NANO 2023; 17:3368-3382. [PMID: 36795609 PMCID: PMC9979656 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c08093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We report the formation, growth, and dynamics of model protocell superstructures on solid surfaces, resembling single cell colonies. These structures, consisting of several layers of lipidic compartments enveloped in a dome-shaped outer lipid bilayer, emerged as a result of spontaneous shape transformation of lipid agglomerates deposited on thin film aluminum surfaces. Collective protocell structures were observed to be mechanically more stable compared to isolated spherical compartments. We show that the model colonies encapsulate DNA and accommodate nonenzymatic, strand displacement DNA reactions. The membrane envelope is able to disassemble and expose individual daughter protocells, which can migrate and attach via nanotethers to distant surface locations, while maintaining their encapsulated contents. Some colonies feature "exocompartments", which spontaneously extend out of the enveloping bilayer, internalize DNA, and merge again with the superstructure. A continuum elastohydrodynamic theory that we developed suggests that a plausible driving force behind subcompartment formation is attractive van der Waals (vdW) interactions between the membrane and surface. The balance between membrane bending and vdW interactions yields a critical length scale of 236 nm, above which the membrane invaginations can form subcompartments. The findings support our hypotheses that in extension of the "lipid world hypothesis", protocells may have existed in the form of colonies, potentially benefiting from the increased mechanical stability provided by a superstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Katke
- Department
of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center
for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Esteban Pedrueza-Villalmanzo
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Göteborg SE-412 96, Sweden
- Department
of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Universitetsplatsen 1, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Karolina Spustova
- Centre
for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Göteborg SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - C. Nadir Kaplan
- Department
of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center
for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre
for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
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7
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Lipowsky R. Remodeling of Biomembranes and Vesicles by Adhesion of Condensate Droplets. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:223. [PMID: 36837726 PMCID: PMC9965763 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13020223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Condensate droplets are formed in aqueous solutions of macromolecules that undergo phase separation into two liquid phases. A well-studied example are solutions of the two polymers PEG and dextran which have been used for a long time in biochemical analysis and biotechnology. More recently, phase separation has also been observed in living cells where it leads to membrane-less or droplet-like organelles. In the latter case, the condensate droplets are enriched in certain types of proteins. Generic features of condensate droplets can be studied in simple binary mixtures, using molecular dynamics simulations. In this review, I address the interactions of condensate droplets with biomimetic and biological membranes. When a condensate droplet adheres to such a membrane, the membrane forms a contact line with the droplet and acquires a very high curvature close to this line. The contact angles along the contact line can be observed via light microscopy, lead to a classification of the possible adhesion morphologies, and determine the affinity contrast between the two coexisting liquid phases and the membrane. The remodeling processes generated by condensate droplets include wetting transitions, formation of membrane nanotubes as well as complete engulfment and endocytosis of the droplets by the membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Lipowsky
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
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8
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Stephan MS, Dunsing V, Pramanik S, Chiantia S, Barbirz S, Robinson T, Dimova R. Biomimetic asymmetric bacterial membranes incorporating lipopolysaccharides. Biophys J 2022:S0006-3495(22)03927-3. [PMID: 36523159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria are equipped with a cell wall that contains a complex matrix of lipids, proteins, and glycans, which form a rigid layer protecting bacteria from the environment. Major components of this outer membrane are the high-molecular weight and amphiphilic lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). They form the extracellular part of a heterobilayer with phospholipids. Understanding LPS properties within the outer membrane is therefore important to develop new antimicrobial strategies. Model systems, such as giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), provide a suitable platform for exploring membrane properties and interactions. However, LPS molecules contain large polysaccharide parts that confer high water solubility, which makes LPS incorporation in artificial membranes difficult; this hindrance is exacerbated for LPS with long polysaccharide chains, i.e., the smooth LPS. Here, a novel emulsification step of the inverted emulsion method is introduced to incorporate LPS in the outer or the inner leaflet of GUVs, exclusively. We developed an approach to determine the LPS content on individual GUVs and quantify membrane asymmetry. The asymmetric membranes with outer leaflet LPS show incorporations of 1-16 mol % smooth LPS (corresponding to 16-79 wt %), while vesicles with inner leaflet LPS reach coverages of 2-7 mol % smooth LPS (28-60 wt %). Diffusion coefficient measurements in the obtained GUVs showed that increasing LPS concentrations in the membranes resulted in decreased diffusivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentin Dunsing
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Center for Living Systems, Marseille, France; University of Potsdam, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Shreya Pramanik
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Salvatore Chiantia
- University of Potsdam, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stefanie Barbirz
- Department Humanmedizin, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tom Robinson
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany.
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9
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Abstract
Micromechanics techniques are playing an increasing role in characterization of biomembranes. The mechanical properties of membranes play an important role for a whole range of cellular processes. Lipid-protein biomembranes display lateral heterogeneity, domain formation, and morphological changes at mesoscopic and nanoscopic length scales. An attempt is made to introduce how membrane's material properties can be measured. Both fluctuation analysis and micro-pipette aspiration experiments have been used to quantify the micromechanics of membranes. The relationship between the structure and function of biomembranes is a critical concern in modern biology. This overview calls for a deeper understanding of how the cell complexity might be related to the mechanical properties of the lipid-protein membrane. Mechanical properties can influence cellular response to processes like adhesion, transport, differentiation, proliferation and migration.
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10
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Baldauf L, van Buren L, Fanalista F, Koenderink GH. Actomyosin-Driven Division of a Synthetic Cell. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3120-3133. [PMID: 36164967 PMCID: PMC9594324 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
One of the major challenges of bottom-up synthetic biology is rebuilding a minimal cell division machinery. From a reconstitution perspective, the animal cell division apparatus is mechanically the simplest and therefore attractive to rebuild. An actin-based ring produces contractile force to constrict the membrane. By contrast, microbes and plant cells have a cell wall, so division requires concerted membrane constriction and cell wall synthesis. Furthermore, reconstitution of the actin division machinery helps in understanding the physical and molecular mechanisms of cytokinesis in animal cells and thus our own cells. In this review, we describe the state-of-the-art research on reconstitution of minimal actin-mediated cytokinetic machineries. Based on the conceptual requirements that we obtained from the physics of the shape changes involved in cell division, we propose two major routes for building a minimal actin apparatus capable of division. Importantly, we acknowledge both the passive and active roles that the confining lipid membrane can play in synthetic cytokinesis. We conclude this review by identifying the most pressing challenges for future reconstitution work, thereby laying out a roadmap for building a synthetic cell equipped with a minimal actin division machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Federico Fanalista
- Department of Bionanoscience,
Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft
University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsje Hendrika Koenderink
- Department of Bionanoscience,
Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft
University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
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11
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Bi H, Chen Z, Guo L, Zhang Y, Zeng X, Xu L. Fabrication, modification and application of lipid nanotubes. Chem Phys Lipids 2022; 248:105242. [PMID: 36162593 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2022.105242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The potential application of high aspect-ratio nanomaterials motivates the development of the fabrication and modification of lipid nanotubes(LNTs). To date, diverse fabricate processes and elaborate template procedures have produced suitable tubular architectures with definite dimensions and complex structures for expected functions and applications. Herein, we comprehensively summarize the fabrication of LNTs in vitro and discuss the progress made on the micro/nanomaterials fabrication using LNTs as a template, as well as the functions and possible application of a wide range of LNTs as fundamental or derivative material. In addition, the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of different fabrication, modification methods, and development prospects of LNTs were briefly summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Bi
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, China; College of Science, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China.
| | - Zeqin Chen
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, China
| | - Liuchun Guo
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, China
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, China
| | - Xinru Zeng
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, China
| | - Liuyi Xu
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, China
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12
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Gözen I, Köksal ES, Põldsalu I, Xue L, Spustova K, Pedrueza-Villalmanzo E, Ryskulov R, Meng F, Jesorka A. Protocells: Milestones and Recent Advances. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106624. [PMID: 35322554 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The origin of life is still one of humankind's great mysteries. At the transition between nonliving and living matter, protocells, initially featureless aggregates of abiotic matter, gain the structure and functions necessary to fulfill the criteria of life. Research addressing protocells as a central element in this transition is diverse and increasingly interdisciplinary. The authors review current protocell concepts and research directions, address milestones, challenges and existing hypotheses in the context of conditions on the early Earth, and provide a concise overview of current protocell research methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Elif Senem Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Inga Põldsalu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Esteban Pedrueza-Villalmanzo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Universitetsplatsen 1, Gothenburg, 40530, Sweden
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - Fanda Meng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- School of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
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13
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Mittal A, Chauhan A. Aspects of Biological Replication and Evolution Independent of the Central Dogma: Insights from Protein-Free Vesicular Transformations and Protein-Mediated Membrane Remodeling. J Membr Biol 2022; 255:185-209. [PMID: 35333977 PMCID: PMC8951669 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-022-00230-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Biological membrane remodeling is central to living systems. In spite of serving as “containers” of whole-living systems and functioning as dynamic compartments within living systems, biological membranes still find a “blue collar” treatment compared to the “white collar” nucleic acids and proteins in biology. This may be attributable to the fact that scientific literature on biological membrane remodeling is only 50 years old compared to ~ 150 years of literature on proteins and a little less than 100 years on nucleic acids. However, recently, evidence for symbiotic origins of eukaryotic cells from data only on biological membranes was reported. This, coupled with appreciation of reproducible amphiphilic self-assemblies in aqueous environments (mimicking replication), has already initiated discussions on origins of life beyond nucleic acids and proteins. This work presents a comprehensive compilation and meta-analyses of data on self-assembly and vesicular transformations in biological membranes—starting from model membranes to establishment of Influenza Hemagglutinin-mediated membrane fusion as a prototypical remodeling system to a thorough comparison between enveloped mammalian viruses and cellular vesicles. We show that viral membrane fusion proteins, in addition to obeying “stoichiometry-driven protein folding”, have tighter compositional constraints on their amino acid occurrences than general-structured proteins, regardless of type/class. From the perspective of vesicular assemblies and biological membrane remodeling (with and without proteins) we find that cellular vesicles are quite different from viruses. Finally, we propose that in addition to pre-existing thermodynamic frameworks, kinetic considerations in de novo formation of metastable membrane structures with available “third-party” constituents (including proteins) were not only crucial for origins of life but also continue to offer morphological replication and/or functional mechanisms in modern life forms, independent of the central dogma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Mittal
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India. .,Supercomputing Facility for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (SCFBio), IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Akanksha Chauhan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
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14
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Nair KS, Raj NB, Nampoothiri KM, Mohanan G, Acosta-Gutiérrez S, Bajaj H. Curved membrane structures induced by native lipids in giant vesicles. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 611:397-407. [PMID: 34963074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.12.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Native lipids in cell-membrane support crucial functions like intercell communication via their ability to deform into curved membrane structures. Cell membrane mimicking Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) is imperative in understanding native lipid's role in membrane transformation however remains challenging to assemble. We construct two giant vesicle models mimicking bacterial inner-membrane (IM) and outer-membrane (OM) under physiological conditions using single-step gel-assisted lipid swelling. IM vesicles composed of native bacterial lipids undergo small-scale membrane remodeling into bud and short-nanotube structures. In contrast, OM vesicles asymmetrically assembled from Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bacterial lipids underwent global membrane deformation under controlled osmotic stress. Remarkably, highly-curved structures mimicking cell-membrane architectures, including daughter vesicle networks interconnected by necks and nano-tubes ranging from micro to nanoscale, are generated in OM vesicles at osmotic stress comparable to that applied in IM vesicles. Further, we provide a quantitative description of the membrane structures by experimentally determining membrane elastic parameters, i.e., neck curvature and bending rigidity. We can conclude that a larger spontaneous curvature estimated from the neck curvature and softer membranes in OM vesicles is responsible for large-scale deformation compared to IM vesicles. Our findings will help comprehend the shape dynamics of complex native bacterial lipid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthika S Nair
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India
| | - Neethu B Raj
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India
| | - K Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Gayathri Mohanan
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India
| | - Silvia Acosta-Gutiérrez
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, UK.
| | - Harsha Bajaj
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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15
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Lipowsky R. Remodeling of Membrane Shape and Topology by Curvature Elasticity and Membrane Tension. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 6:e2101020. [PMID: 34859961 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cellular membranes exhibit a fascinating variety of different morphologies, which are continuously remodeled by transformations of membrane shape and topology. This remodeling is essential for important biological processes (cell division, intracellular vesicle trafficking, endocytosis) and can be elucidated in a systematic and quantitative manner using synthetic membrane systems. Here, recent insights obtained from such synthetic systems are reviewed, integrating experimental observations and molecular dynamics simulations with the theory of membrane elasticity. The study starts from the polymorphism of biomembranes as observed for giant vesicles by optical microscopy and small nanovesicles in simulations. This polymorphism reflects the unusual elasticity of fluid membranes and includes the formation of membrane necks or fluid 'worm holes'. The proliferation of membrane necks generates stable multi-spherical shapes, which can form tubules and tubular junctions. Membrane necks are also essential for the remodeling of membrane topology via membrane fission and fusion. Neck fission can be induced by fine-tuning of membrane curvature, which leads to the controlled division of giant vesicles, and by adhesion-induced membrane tension as observed for small nanovesicles. Challenges for future research include the interplay of curvature elasticity and membrane tension during membrane fusion and the localization of fission and fusion processes within intramembrane domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Lipowsky
- Theory & Biosystems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, Potsdam, Germany
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16
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Steinkühler J, Fonda P, Bhatia T, Zhao Z, Leomil FSC, Lipowsky R, Dimova R. Superelasticity of Plasma- and Synthetic Membranes Resulting from Coupling of Membrane Asymmetry, Curvature, and Lipid Sorting. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2102109. [PMID: 34569194 PMCID: PMC8564416 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biological cells are contained by a fluid lipid bilayer (plasma membrane, PM) that allows for large deformations, often exceeding 50% of the apparent initial PM area. Isolated lipids self-organize into membranes, but are prone to rupture at small (<2-4%) area strains, which limits progress for synthetic reconstitution of cellular features. Here, it is shown that by preserving PM structure and composition during isolation from cells, vesicles with cell-like elasticity can be obtained. It is found that these plasma membrane vesicles store significant area in the form of nanotubes in their lumen. These act as lipid reservoirs and are recruited by mechanical tension applied to the outer vesicle membrane. Both in experiment and theory, it is shown that a "superelastic" response emerges from the interplay of lipid domains and membrane curvature. This finding allows for bottom-up engineering of synthetic biomaterials that appear one magnitude softer and with threefold larger deformability than conventional lipid vesicles. These results open a path toward designing superelastic synthetic cells possessing the inherent mechanics of biological cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Steinkühler
- Theory and Bio‐SystemsMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesScience Park GolmPotsdam14424Germany
- Present address:
Department of Biomedical EngineeringNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL60657USA
| | - Piermarco Fonda
- Theory and Bio‐SystemsMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesScience Park GolmPotsdam14424Germany
| | - Tripta Bhatia
- Theory and Bio‐SystemsMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesScience Park GolmPotsdam14424Germany
- Department of Physical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliSector 81, Knowledge City, ManauliSAS NagarPunjab140306India
| | - Ziliang Zhao
- Theory and Bio‐SystemsMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesScience Park GolmPotsdam14424Germany
- Present address:
Leibniz Institute of Photonic TechnologyJena07745Germany
| | - Fernanda S. C. Leomil
- Theory and Bio‐SystemsMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesScience Park GolmPotsdam14424Germany
- Departamento de BiofísicaUniversidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo043039‐032Brazil
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Theory and Bio‐SystemsMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesScience Park GolmPotsdam14424Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Theory and Bio‐SystemsMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesScience Park GolmPotsdam14424Germany
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17
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Abstract
Morphological transitions are typically attributed to the actions of proteins and lipids. Largely overlooked in membrane shape regulation is the glycocalyx, a pericellular membrane coat that resides on all cells in the human body. Comprised of complex sugar polymers known as glycans as well as glycosylated lipids and proteins, the glycocalyx is ideally positioned to impart forces on the plasma membrane. Large, unstructured polysaccharides and glycoproteins in the glycocalyx can generate crowding pressures strong enough to induce membrane curvature. Stress may also originate from glycan chains that convey curvature preference on asymmetrically distributed lipids, which are exploited by binding factors and infectious agents to induce morphological changes. Through such forces, the glycocalyx can have profound effects on the biogenesis of functional cell surface structures as well as the secretion of extracellular vesicles. In this review, we discuss recent evidence and examples of these mechanisms in normal health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Chin-Hun Kuo
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA; ,
| | - Matthew J Paszek
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA; , .,Field of Biomedical Engineering and Field of Biophysics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.,Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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18
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Faizi HA, Dimova R, Vlahovska PM. Electromechanical characterization of biomimetic membranes using electrodeformation of vesicles. Electrophoresis 2021; 42:2027-2032. [PMID: 34297846 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We describe a facile method to simultaneously measure the bending rigidity and capacitance of biomimetic lipid bilayers. Our approach utilizes the ellipsoidal deformation of quasi-spherical giant unilamellar vesicles induced by a uniform AC electric field. Vesicle shape depends on the electric field frequency and amplitude. Membrane bending rigidity can be obtained from the variation of the vesicle elongation on either field amplitude at fixed frequency or frequency at fixed field amplitude. Membrane capacitance is determined from the frequency at which the vesicle shape changes from prolate to oblate ellipsoid as the frequency is increased at a given field amplitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hammad A Faizi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Biosystems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Petia M Vlahovska
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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19
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Optical interferometry based micropipette aspiration provides real-time sub-nanometer spatial resolution. Commun Biol 2021; 4:610. [PMID: 34021241 PMCID: PMC8140111 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02121-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Micropipette aspiration (MPA) is an essential tool in mechanobiology; however, its potential is far from fully exploited. The traditional MPA technique has limited temporal and spatial resolution and requires extensive post processing to obtain the mechanical fingerprints of samples. Here, we develop a MPA system that measures pressure and displacement in real time with sub-nanometer resolution thanks to an interferometric readout. This highly sensitive MPA system enables studying the nanoscale behavior of soft biomaterials under tension and their frequency-dependent viscoelastic response.
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20
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Bhatia T. Tubules, beads, discs and junctions - Morphologies and dynamics of dispersed multilamellar lipid phases in excess water. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 584:706-713. [PMID: 33317711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2020.08.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, experimental results on the swelling, dispersion and disintegration of the lamellae composed of the lipid, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) in contact with excess water are described. Multilamellar structures nucleate and grow at the interface between the pure solvent and the lipid. The system evolves slowly via flow and coalescence of lamellae through a variety of non-equilibrium morphologies demonstrating that their dynamics is complex and non-universal, with no unique kinetic pathway. The tubular structures disintegrate slowly into the bulk water phase, inside the sealed sample chamber.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bhatia
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science-Park, Golm, 14424 Potsdam.
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21
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Wang X, Du H, Wang Z, Mu W, Han X. Versatile Phospholipid Assemblies for Functional Synthetic Cells and Artificial Tissues. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2002635. [PMID: 32830387 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The bottom-up construction of a synthetic cell from nonliving building blocks capable of mimicking cellular properties and behaviors helps to understand the particular biophysical properties and working mechanisms of a cell. A synthetic cell built in this way possesses defined chemical composition and structure. Since phospholipids are native biomembrane components, their assemblies are widely used to mimic cellular structures. Here, recent developments in the formation of versatile phospholipid assemblies are described, together with the applications of these assemblies for functional membranes (protein reconstituted giant unilamellar vesicles), spherical and nonspherical protoorganelles, and functional synthetic cells, as well as the high-order hierarchical structures of artificial tissues. Their biomedical applications are also briefly summarized. Finally, the challenges and future directions in the field of synthetic cells and artificial tissues based on phospholipid assemblies are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Marine Antifouling Engineering Technology Center of Shangdong Province, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Wei Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
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22
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Lipowsky R, Dimova R. Introduction to remodeling of biomembranes. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:214-221. [PMID: 33406179 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm90234a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In general, biomembranes and giant vesicles can respond to cues in their aqueous environment by remodeling their molecular composition, shape, or topology. This themed collection focuses on remodeling of membrane shape which is intimately related to membrane curvature. In this introductory contribution, we clarify the different notions of curvature and describe the general nanoscopic mechanisms for curvature generation and membrane scaffolding. At the end, we give a brief outlook on membrane tension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Lipowsky
- Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
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23
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Agudo-Canalejo J. Particle engulfment by strongly asymmetric membranes with area reservoirs. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:298-307. [PMID: 32119018 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm02367d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biological cells are capable of undergoing extensive shape transformations thanks to the existence of membrane area reservoirs from which they can pull out membrane when required. A particularly relevant example of such membrane remodelling is given by endocytic and phagocytic processes, during which the cell membrane engulfs nano- and micrometer sized particles. Recently, it was shown that cell-like membrane reservoirs can be mimicked in giant vesicles with nanotubes stabilized by strong bilayer asymmetry, as quantified by the membrane's spontaneous curvature. Here, we theoretically investigate particle engulfment by such strongly-asymmetric membranes. We find that, depending on the sign of the spontaneous curvature, the engulfment transition may be continuous or discontinuous. Moreover, we find that, in the case of particle engulfment, the presence of asymmetry-stabilized reservoirs is not well captured by the constant-tension model typically used to describe cell-membrane deformations. This highlights the need for a better understanding of the nature of cellular membrane reservoirs, in order to accurately describe membrane remodelling processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Agudo-Canalejo
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS), D-37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Has
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
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25
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Morshed A, Karawdeniya BI, Bandara Y, Kim MJ, Dutta P. Mechanical characterization of vesicles and cells: A review. Electrophoresis 2020; 41:449-470. [PMID: 31967658 PMCID: PMC7567447 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201900362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Vesicles perform many essential functions in all living organisms. They respond like a transducer to mechanical stress in converting the applied force into mechanical and biological responses. At the same time, both biochemical and biophysical signals influence the vesicular response in bearing mechanical loads. In recent years, liposomes, artificial lipid vesicles, have gained substantial attention from the pharmaceutical industry as a prospective drug carrier which can also serve as an artificial cell-mimetic system. The ability of these vesicles to enter through pores of even smaller size makes them ideal candidates for therapeutic agents to reach the infected sites effectively. Engineering of vesicles with desired mechanical properties that can encapsulate drugs and release as required is the prime challenge in this field. This requirement has led to the modifications of the composition of the bilayer membrane by adding cholesterol, sphingomyelin, etc. In this article, we review the manufacturing and characterization techniques of various artificial/synthetic vesicles. We particularly focus on the electric field-driven characterization techniques to determine different properties of vesicle and its membranes, such as bending rigidity, viscosity, capacitance, conductance, etc., which are indicators of their content and mobility. Similarities and differences between artificial vesicles, natural vesicles, and cells are highlighted throughout the manuscript since most of these artificial vesicles are intended for cell mimetic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Morshed
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-2920
| | - Buddini Iroshika Karawdeniya
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lyle School of Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Y.M.NuwanD.Y. Bandara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lyle School of Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Min Jun Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lyle School of Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Prashanta Dutta
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-2920
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26
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Controlled division of cell-sized vesicles by low densities of membrane-bound proteins. Nat Commun 2020; 11:905. [PMID: 32060284 PMCID: PMC7021675 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14696-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The proliferation of life on earth is based on the ability of single cells to divide into two daughter cells. During cell division, the plasma membrane undergoes a series of morphological transformations which ultimately lead to membrane fission. Here, we show that analogous remodeling processes can be induced by low densities of proteins bound to the membranes of cell-sized lipid vesicles. Using His-tagged fluorescent proteins, we are able to precisely control the spontaneous curvature of the vesicle membranes. By fine-tuning this curvature, we obtain dumbbell-shaped vesicles with closed membrane necks as well as neck fission and complete vesicle division. Our results demonstrate that the spontaneous curvature generates constriction forces around the membrane necks and that these forces can easily cover the force range found in vivo. Our approach involves only one species of membrane-bound proteins at low densities, thereby providing a simple and extendible module for bottom-up synthetic biology. Membrane fission of a cell into two daughters is a core ability of cell-based life. Here the authors show that in artificial cells division can be controlled by regulating membrane curvature using low protein density.
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27
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Alimohamadi H, Ovryn B, Rangamani P. Modeling membrane nanotube morphology: the role of heterogeneity in composition and material properties. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2527. [PMID: 32054874 PMCID: PMC7018976 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane nanotubes are dynamic structures that may connect cells over long distances. Nanotubes are typically thin cylindrical tubes, but they may occasionally have a beaded architecture along the tube. In this paper, we study the role of membrane mechanics in governing the architecture of these tubes and show that the formation of bead-like structures along the nanotubes can result from local heterogeneities in the membrane either due to protein aggregation or due to membrane composition. We present numerical results that predict how membrane properties, protein density, and local tension compete to create a phase space that governs the morphology of a nanotube. We also find that there exists a discontinuity in the energy that impedes two beads from fusing. These results suggest that the membrane-protein interaction, membrane composition, and membrane tension closely govern the tube radius, number of beads, and the bead morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleh Alimohamadi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ben Ovryn
- Department of Physics, New York Institute of Technology, New York, NY, 11568, USA
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA.
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28
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Bhatia T, Christ S, Steinkühler J, Dimova R, Lipowsky R. Simple sugars shape giant vesicles into multispheres with many membrane necks. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:1246-1258. [PMID: 31912078 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01890e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Simple sugars such as glucose and sucrose are ubiquitous in all organisms. One remarkable property of these small solutes is their ability to protect biomembranes against dehydration damage. This property, which reflects the underlying sugar-lipid interactions, has been intensely studied for lipid bilayers interacting with a single sugar at low hydration. Here, we use giant vesicles to investigate fully hydrated lipid membranes in contact with two sugars, glucose and sucrose. The vesicles were osmotically balanced, with the same total sugar concentration in the interior and exterior aqueous solutions. However, the two solutions differed in their composition: the interior solution contained only sucrose whereas the exterior one contained primarily glucose. This sugar asymmetry generated a striking variety of multispherical or "multi-balloon" vesicle shapes. Each multisphere involved only a single membrane that formed several spherical segments, which were connected by narrow, hourglass-shaped membrane necks. These morphologies revealed that the sugar-lipid interactions generated a significant spontaneous curvature with a magnitude of about 1 μm-1. Such a spontaneous curvature can be generated both by depletion and by adsorption layers of the sugar molecules arising from effectively repulsive and attractive sugar-lipid interactions. All multispherical shapes are stable over a wide range of parameters, with a substantial overlap between the different stability regimes, reflecting the rugged free energy landscape in shape space. One challenge for future studies is to identify pathways within this landscape that allow us to open and close the membrane necks of these shapes in a controlled and reliable manner. We will then be able to apply these multispheres as metamorphic chambers for chemical reactions and nanoparticle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tripta Bhatia
- Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
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29
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Pezeshkian W, Ipsen JH. Fluctuations and conformational stability of a membrane patch with curvature inducing inclusions. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:9974-9981. [PMID: 31754667 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01762c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Membranes with curvature inducing inclusions display a range of cooperative phenomena, which can be linked to biomembrane function, e.g. membrane tubulation, vesiculation, softening and spontaneous tension. We investigate how these phenomena are related for a fluctuating, framed membrane through analysis of a descretized membrane model by Monte Carlo simulation techniques. The membrane model is based on a dynamically triangulated surface equipped with non-interacting, up-down symmetry breaking inclusions where only terms coupled linearly to mean-curvature are maintained. We show that the lateral configurational entropy plays a key role for the mechanical properties of the semi-flexible membrane, e.g. a pronounced softening at intermediate inclusion coverages of the membrane and generation of membrane tension. Tensionless framed membranes will remain quasi-flat up to some threshold coverage, where a shape instability occurs with formation of pearling or tubular membranes, which below full coverage is associated with segregation of inclusions between the curved and flat membrane geometries. For inclusions with preference for highly curved membranes the instability appears at dilute inclusion coverages and is accompanied by strong configurational fluctuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weria Pezeshkian
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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30
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Piontek MC, Lira RB, Roos WH. Active probing of the mechanical properties of biological and synthetic vesicles. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1865:129486. [PMID: 31734458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.129486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interest in mechanics of synthetic and biological vesicles has been continuously growing during the last decades. Liposomes serve as model systems for investigating fundamental membrane processes and properties. More recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been investigated mechanically as well. EVs are widely studied in fundamental and applied sciences, but their material properties remained elusive until recently. Elucidating the mechanical properties of vesicles is essential to unveil the mechanisms behind a variety of biological processes, e.g. budding, vesiculation and cellular uptake mechanisms. SCOPE OF REVIEW The importance of mechanobiology for studies of vesicles and membranes is discussed, as well as the different available techniques to probe their mechanical properties. In particular, the mechanics of vesicles and membranes as obtained by nanoindentation, micropipette aspiration, optical tweezers, electrodeformation and electroporation experiments is addressed. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS EVs and liposomes possess an astonishing rich, diverse behavior. To better understand their properties, and for optimization of their applications in nanotechnology, an improved understanding of their mechanical properties is needed. Depending on the size of the vesicles and the specific scientific question, different techniques can be chosen for their mechanical characterization. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Understanding the mechanical properties of vesicles is necessary to gain deeper insight in the fundamental biological mechanisms involved in vesicle generation and cellular uptake. This furthermore facilitates technological applications such as using vesicles as targeted drug delivery vehicles. Liposome studies provide insight into fundamental membrane processes and properties, whereas the role and functioning of EVs in biology and medicine are increasingly elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Piontek
- Moleculaire Biofysica, Zernike Instituut, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Rafael B Lira
- Moleculaire Biofysica, Zernike Instituut, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Wouter H Roos
- Moleculaire Biofysica, Zernike Instituut, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Velasco-Olmo A, Ormaetxea Gisasola J, Martinez Galvez JM, Vera Lillo J, Shnyrova AV. Combining patch-clamping and fluorescence microscopy for quantitative reconstitution of cellular membrane processes with Giant Suspended Bilayers. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7255. [PMID: 31076583 PMCID: PMC6510758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43561-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro reconstitution and microscopic visualization of membrane processes is an indispensable source of information about a cellular function. Here we describe a conceptionally novel free-standing membrane template that facilitates such quantitative reconstitution of membrane remodelling at different scales. The Giant Suspended Bilayers (GSBs) spontaneously swell from lipid lamella reservoir deposited on microspheres. GSBs attached to the reservoir can be prepared from virtually any lipid composition following a fast procedure. Giant unilamellar vesicles can be further obtained by GSB detachment from the microspheres. The reservoir stabilizes GSB during deformations, mechanical micromanipulations, and fluorescence microscopy observations, while GSB-reservoir boundary enables the exchange of small solutes with GSB interior. These unique properties allow studying macro- and nano-scale membrane deformations, adding membrane-active compounds to both sides of GSB membrane and applying patch-clamp based approaches, thus making GSB a versatile tool for reconstitution and quantification of cellular membrane trafficking events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Velasco-Olmo
- Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Julene Ormaetxea Gisasola
- Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Martinez Galvez
- Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Javier Vera Lillo
- Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Anna V Shnyrova
- Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain.
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32
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Dimova R. Giant Vesicles and Their Use in Assays for Assessing Membrane Phase State, Curvature, Mechanics, and Electrical Properties. Annu Rev Biophys 2019; 48:93-119. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-052118-115342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles represent a promising and extremely useful model biomembrane system for systematic measurements of mechanical, thermodynamic, electrical, and rheological properties of lipid bilayers as a function of membrane composition, surrounding media, and temperature. The most important advantage of giant vesicles over other model membrane systems is that the membrane responses to external factors such as ions, (macro)molecules, hydrodynamic flows, or electromagnetic fields can be directly observed under the microscope. Here, we briefly review approaches for giant vesicle preparation and describe several assays used for deducing the membrane phase state and measuring a number of material properties, with further emphasis on membrane reshaping and curvature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
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33
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Liu Y, Lipowsky R, Dimova R. Giant Vesicles Encapsulating Aqueous Two-Phase Systems: From Phase Diagrams to Membrane Shape Transformations. Front Chem 2019; 7:213. [PMID: 31024898 PMCID: PMC6465328 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we summarize recent studies on giant unilamellar vesicles enclosing aqueous polymer solutions of dextran and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), highlighting recent results from our groups. Phase separation occurs for these polymer solutions with concentration above a critical value at room temperature. We introduce approaches used for constructing the phase diagram of such aqueous two-phase system by titration, density and gel permeation chromatography measurements of the coexisting phases. The ultralow interfacial tension of the resulting water-water interface is investigated over a broad concentration range close to the critical point. The scaling exponent of the interfacial tension further away from the critical point agrees well with mean field theory, but close to this point, the behavior disagrees with the Ising value of 1.26. The latter discrepancy arises from the molar mass fractionation of dextran between coexisting phases. Upon encapsulation of the PEG–dextran system into giant vesicles followed by osmotic deflation, the vesicle membrane becomes completely or partially wetted by the aqueous phases, which is controlled by the phase behavior of the polymer mixture and the lipid composition. Deflation leads to a reduction of the vesicle volume and generates excess area of the membrane, which can induce interesting transformations of the vesicle morphology such as vesicle budding. More dramatically, the spontaneous formation of many membrane nanotubes protruding into the interior vesicle compartment reveals a substantial asymmetry and spontaneous curvature of the membrane segments in contact with the PEG-rich phase, arising from the asymmetric adsorption of polymer molecules onto the two leaflets of the bilayers. These membrane nanotubes explore the whole PEG-rich phase for the completely wetted membrane but adhere to the liquid-liquid interface as the membrane becomes partially wetted. Quantitative estimates of the spontaneous curvature are obtained by analyzing different aspects of the tubulated vesicles, which reflect the interplay between aqueous phase separation and spontaneous curvature. The underlying mechanism for the curvature generation is provided by the weak adsorption of PEG onto the lipid bilayers, with a small binding affinity of about 1.6 kBT per PEG chain. Our study builds a bridge between nanoscopic membrane shapes and membrane-polymer interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
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Lira RB, Robinson T, Dimova R, Riske KA. Highly Efficient Protein-free Membrane Fusion: A Giant Vesicle Study. Biophys J 2019; 116:79-91. [PMID: 30579564 PMCID: PMC6342729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.11.3128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane fusion is a ubiquitous process in biology and is a prerequisite for many intracellular delivery protocols relying on the use of liposomes as drug carriers. Here, we investigate in detail the process of membrane fusion and the role of opposite charges in a protein-free lipid system based on cationic liposomes (LUVs, large unilamellar vesicles) and anionic giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) composed of different palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC)/palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylglycerol (POPG) molar ratios. By using a set of optical-microscopy- and microfluidics-based methods, we show that liposomes strongly dock to GUVs of pure POPC or low POPG fraction (up to 10 mol%) in a process mainly associated with hemifusion and membrane tension increase, commonly leading to GUV rupture. On the other hand, docked LUVs quickly and very efficiently fuse with negative GUVs of POPG fractions at or above 20 mol%, resulting in dramatic GUV area increase in a charge-dependent manner; the vesicle area increase is deduced from GUV electrodeformation. Importantly, both hemifusion and full fusion are leakage-free. Fusion efficiency is quantified by the lipid transfer from liposomes to GUVs using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), which leads to consistent results when compared to fluorescence-lifetime-based FRET. We develop an approach to deduce the final composition of single GUVs after fusion based on the FRET efficiency. The results suggest that fusion is driven by membrane charge and appears to proceed up to charge neutralization of the acceptor GUV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael B Lira
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tom Robinson
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Karin A Riske
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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35
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Karimi M, Steinkühler J, Roy D, Dasgupta R, Lipowsky R, Dimova R. Asymmetric Ionic Conditions Generate Large Membrane Curvatures. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:7816-7821. [PMID: 30456959 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b03584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Biological membranes possess intrinsic asymmetry. This asymmetry is associated not only with leaflet composition in terms of membrane species but also with differences in the cytosolic and periplasmic solutions containing macromolecules and ions. There has been a long quest for understanding the effect of ions on the physical and morphological properties of membranes. Here, we elucidate the changes in the mechanical properties of membranes exposed to asymmetric buffer conditions and the associated curvature generation. As a model system, we used giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) with asymmetric salt and sugar solutions on the two sides of the membrane. We aspirated the GUVs into micropipettes and attached small beads to their membranes. An optical tweezer was used to exert a local force on a bead, thereby pulling out a membrane tube from the vesicle. The assay allowed us to measure the spontaneous curvature and the bending rigidity of the bilayer in the presence of different ions and sugar. At low sugar/salt (inside/out) concentrations, the membrane spontaneous curvature generated by NaCl and KCl is close to zero, but negative in the presence of LiCl. In the latter case, the membrane bulges away from the salt solution. At high sugar/salt conditions, the membranes were observed to become more flexible and the spontaneous curvature was enhanced to even more negative values, comparable to those generated by some proteins. Our findings reveal the reshaping role of alkali chlorides on biomembranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Karimi
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam , Germany
| | - Jan Steinkühler
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam , Germany
| | - Debjit Roy
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam , Germany
| | - Raktim Dasgupta
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam , Germany
- Laser Biomedical Applications Section , Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology , 452013 Indore , India
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam , Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam , Germany
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36
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Galvanetto N. Single-cell unroofing: probing topology and nanomechanics of native membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:2532-2538. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Jenkins E, Santos AM, O'Brien-Ball C, Felce JH, Wilcock MJ, Hatherley D, Dustin ML, Davis SJ, Eggeling C, Sezgin E. Reconstitution of immune cell interactions in free-standing membranes. J Cell Sci 2018; 132:jcs219709. [PMID: 30209137 PMCID: PMC6398472 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.219709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal regulation of signalling proteins at the contacts formed between immune cells and their targets determines how and when immune responses begin and end. Therapeutic control of immune responses therefore relies on thorough elucidation of the molecular processes occurring at these interfaces. However, the detailed investigation of each component's contribution to the formation and regulation of the contact is hampered by the complexities of cell composition and architecture. Moreover, the transient nature of these interactions creates additional challenges, especially in the use of advanced imaging technology. One approach that circumvents these problems is to establish in vitro systems that faithfully mimic immune cell interactions, but allow complexity to be 'dialled-in' as needed. Here, we present an in vitro system that makes use of synthetic vesicles that mimic important aspects of immune cell surfaces. Using this system, we began to explore the spatial distribution of signalling molecules (receptors, kinases and phosphatases) and how this changes during the initiation of signalling. The GUV/cell system presented here is expected to be widely applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Jenkins
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Ana Mafalda Santos
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Caitlin O'Brien-Ball
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - James H Felce
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Martin J Wilcock
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Deborah Hatherley
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Michael L Dustin
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Simon J Davis
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Christian Eggeling
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
- Institute of Applied Optics Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Max-Wien Platz 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology e.V., Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Erdinc Sezgin
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
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38
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Sreekumari A, Lipowsky R. Lipids with bulky head groups generate large membrane curvatures by small compositional asymmetries. J Chem Phys 2018; 149:084901. [PMID: 30193489 DOI: 10.1063/1.5038427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycolipids such as GM1 have bulky head groups consisting of several monosaccharides. When these lipids are added to phospholipid bilayers, they generate large membrane curvatures even for small compositional asymmetries between the two leaflets of the bilayers. On the micrometer scale, these bilayer asymmetries lead to the spontaneous tubulation of giant vesicles as recently observed by optical microscopy. Here, we study these mixed membranes on the nanometer scale using coarse-grained molecular simulations. The membrane composition is defined by the mole fractions ϕ1 and ϕ2 of the large-head lipid in the two leaflets of the bilayer. Symmetric membranes are obtained for ϕ1 = ϕ2 ≡ ϕle, and asymmetric ones for ϕ1 ≠ ϕ2. In both cases, we compute the density and stress profiles across the membranes. The stress profiles are used to identify the tensionless states of the membranes. Symmetric and tensionless bilayers are found to be stable within the whole composition range 0 ≤ ϕle ≤ 1. For these symmetric bilayers, both the area compressibility modulus and the bending rigidity are found to vary non-monotonically with the leaflet mole fraction ϕle. For asymmetric bilayers, we compute the product of bending rigidity and spontaneous curvature from the first moment of the stress profile and determine the bending rigidities of the asymmetric membranes using the ϕle-dependent rigidities of the single leaflets. When we combine these results, the compositional asymmetry ϕ1 - ϕ2 is found to generate the spontaneous curvature (ϕ1 - ϕ2)/(0.63 ℓme) with the membrane thickness ℓme ≃ 4 nm. Therefore, the spontaneous curvature increases linearly with the compositional asymmetry. Furthermore, the small compositional asymmetry ϕ1 - ϕ2 = 0.04 leads to the large spontaneous curvature 1/(63 nm) and the increased asymmetry ϕ1 - ϕ2 = 0.2 generates the huge spontaneous curvature 1/(13 nm). These large values of the spontaneous curvature will facilitate future simulation studies of various membrane processes such as bud formation and nanoparticle engulfment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Sreekumari
- Theory and Bio-systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Theory and Bio-systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
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39
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Steinkühler J, De Tillieux P, Knorr RL, Lipowsky R, Dimova R. Charged giant unilamellar vesicles prepared by electroformation exhibit nanotubes and transbilayer lipid asymmetry. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11838. [PMID: 30087440 PMCID: PMC6081385 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30286-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are increasingly used as a versatile research tool to investigate membrane structure, morphology and phase state. In these studies, GUV preparation is typically enhanced by an externally applied electric field, a process called electroformation. We find that upon osmotic deflation, GUVs electroformed from charged and neutral lipids exhibit inward pointing lipid nanotubes, suggesting negative spontaneous curvature of the membrane. By quenching a fluorescent analog of the charged lipid, zeta potential measurements and experiments with the lipid marker annexin A5, we show that electroformed GUVs exhibit an asymmetric lipid distribution across the bilayer leaflets. The asymmetry is lost either after storing electroformed GUVs at room temperature for one day or by applying higher voltages and temperatures during electroformation. GUVs having the same lipid composition but grown via gel-assisted swelling do not show asymmetric lipid distribution. We discuss possible mechanisms for the generation and relaxation of lipid asymmetry, as well as implications for studies using electroformed vesicles. The observed effects allow to control the molecular assembly of lipid bilayer leaflets. Vesicle tubulation as reported here is an example of protein-free reshaping of membranes and is caused by compositional lipid asymmetry between leaflets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Steinkühler
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Philippe De Tillieux
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Roland L Knorr
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany.
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40
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Bassereau P, Jin R, Baumgart T, Deserno M, Dimova R, Frolov VA, Bashkirov PV, Grubmüller H, Jahn R, Risselada HJ, Johannes L, Kozlov MM, Lipowsky R, Pucadyil TJ, Zeno WF, Stachowiak JC, Stamou D, Breuer A, Lauritsen L, Simon C, Sykes C, Voth GA, Weikl TR. The 2018 biomembrane curvature and remodeling roadmap. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D: APPLIED PHYSICS 2018; 51:343001. [PMID: 30655651 PMCID: PMC6333427 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/aacb98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The importance of curvature as a structural feature of biological membranes has been recognized for many years and has fascinated scientists from a wide range of different backgrounds. On the one hand, changes in membrane morphology are involved in a plethora of phenomena involving the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells, including endo- and exocytosis, phagocytosis and filopodia formation. On the other hand, a multitude of intracellular processes at the level of organelles rely on generation, modulation, and maintenance of membrane curvature to maintain the organelle shape and functionality. The contribution of biophysicists and biologists is essential for shedding light on the mechanistic understanding and quantification of these processes. Given the vast complexity of phenomena and mechanisms involved in the coupling between membrane shape and function, it is not always clear in what direction to advance to eventually arrive at an exhaustive understanding of this important research area. The 2018 Biomembrane Curvature and Remodeling Roadmap of Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics addresses this need for clarity and is intended to provide guidance both for students who have just entered the field as well as established scientists who would like to improve their orientation within this fascinating area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Bassereau
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rui Jin
- Chemistry Department, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, United States of America
| | - Tobias Baumgart
- Chemistry Department, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, United States of America
| | - Markus Deserno
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Vadim A Frolov
- Biofisika Institute (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa 48940, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Pavel V Bashkirov
- Federal Research and Clinical Centre of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow 119435, Russia
- A.N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Helmut Grubmüller
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Jahn
- Department of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - H Jelger Risselada
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Johannes
- Cellular and Chemical Biology Unit, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, U1143 INSERM, UMR3666 CNRS, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Michael M Kozlov
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Tel Aviv University
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Wade F Zeno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
- University of Texas at Austin, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Dimitrios Stamou
- Bionanotechnology and Nanomedicine Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Nano-Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Artú Breuer
- Bionanotechnology and Nanomedicine Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Nano-Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Line Lauritsen
- Bionanotechnology and Nanomedicine Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Nano-Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camille Simon
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Sykes
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168, 75005 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Gregory A Voth
- Department of Chemistry, James Franck Institute, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Thomas R Weikl
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
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41
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Dasgupta R, Miettinen MS, Fricke N, Lipowsky R, Dimova R. The glycolipid GM1 reshapes asymmetric biomembranes and giant vesicles by curvature generation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:5756-5761. [PMID: 29760097 PMCID: PMC5984512 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1722320115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The ganglioside GM1 is present in neuronal membranes at elevated concentrations with an asymmetric spatial distribution. It is known to generate curvature and can be expected to strongly influence the neuron morphology. To elucidate these effects, we prepared giant vesicles with GM1 predominantly present in one leaflet of the membrane, mimicking the asymmetric GM1 distribution in neuronal membranes. Based on pulling inward and outward tubes, we developed a technique that allowed the direct measurement of the membrane spontaneous curvature. Using vesicle electroporation and fluorescence intensity analysis, we were able to quantify the GM1 asymmetry across the membrane and to subsequently estimate the local curvature generated by the molecule in the bilayer. Molecular-dynamics simulations confirm the experimentally determined dependence of the membrane spontaneous curvature as a function of GM1 asymmetry. GM1 plays a crucial role in connection with receptor proteins. Our results on curvature generation of GM1 point to an additional important role of this ganglioside, namely in shaping neuronal membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raktim Dasgupta
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Markus S Miettinen
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Nico Fricke
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
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