In vitro fusion of reticulocyte endocytic vesicles with liposomes

Nanoparticle-based platforms for targeted drug delivery to the pulmonary system as therapeutics to curb cystic fibrosis: A review

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder of the respiratory system caused by mutation of the Cystic Fibrosis Trans-Membrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene that affects a huge number of people worldwide. It results in difficulty breathing due to a large accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract, resulting in serious bacterial infections, and subsequent death. Traditional drug-based treatments face hindered penetration at the site of action due to the thick mucus layer. Nanotechnology offers possibilities for developing advanced and effective treatment platforms by focusing on drugs that can penetrate the dense mucus layer, fighting against the underlying bacterial infections, and targeting the genetic cause of the disease. In this review, current nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery platforms for CF, challenges in therapeutics, and future prospects have been highlighted. The effectiveness of the different types of nano-based systems conjugated with various drugs to combat the symptoms and the challenges of treating CF are brought into focus. The toxic effects of these nano-medicines and the various factors that are responsible for their effectiveness are also highlighted.

Efficient in vitro and in vivo docetaxel delivery mediated by pH-sensitive LPHNPs for effective breast cancer therapy

The present study was designed to develop pH-sensitive lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (pHS-LPHNPs) for specific cytosolic-delivery of docetaxel (DTX). The pHS-LPHNPs-DTX formulation was prepared by self-assembled nano-precipitation technique and characterized for zeta potential, particle size, entrapment efficiency, polydispersity index (PDI), and in vitro drug release. In vitro cytotoxicity of pHS-LPHNPs-DTX was assessed on breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and compared with DTX-loaded conventional LPHNPs and bare DTX. In vitro cellular uptake in MDA-MB-231 cell lines showed better uptake of pHS-LPHNPs. Further, a significant reduction in the IC₅₀ of pHS-LPHNPs-DTX against both breast cancer cells was observed. Flow cytometry results showed greater apoptosis in case of pHS-LPHNPs-DTX treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Breast cancer was experimentally induced in BALB/c female mice, and the in vivo efficacy of the developed pHS-LPHNPs formulation was assessed with respect to the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution in the vital organs (liver, kidney, heart, lungs, and spleen), percentage tumor burden, and survival of breast cancer-bearing animals. In vivo studies showed improved pharmacokinetic and target-specificity with minimum DTX circulation in the deep-seated organs in the case of pHS-LPHNPs-DTX compared to the LPHNPs-DTX and free DTX. Mice treated with pHS-LPHNPs-DTX exhibited a significantly lesser tumor burden than other treatment groups. Also, reduced distribution of DTX in the serum was evident for pHS-LPHNPs-DTX treated mice compared to the LPHNPs-DTX and free DTX. In essence, pHS-LPHNPs mediated delivery of DTX presents a viable platform for developing therapeutic-interventions against breast-cancer.

Tumor cell-derived exosomes home to their cells of origin and can be used as Trojan horses to deliver cancer drugs

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and patients are in urgent need of therapies that can effectively target cancer with minimal off-target side effects. Exosomes are extracellular nano-shuttles that facilitate intercellular communication between cells and organs. It has been established that tumor-derived exosomes contain a similar protein and lipid composition to that of the cells that secrete them, indicating that exosomes might be uniquely employed as carriers for anti-cancer therapeutics. Methods: We isolated exosomes from two cancer cell lines, then co-cultured each type of cancer cells with these two kinds of exosomes and quantified exosome. HT1080 or Hela exosomes were systemically injected to Nude mice bearing a subcutaneous HT1080 tumor to investigate their cancer-homing behavior. Moreover, cancer cell-derived exosomes were engineered to carry Doxil (a common chemotherapy drug), known as D-exo, were used to detect their target and therapeutic efficacy as anti-cancer drugs. Exosome proteome array analysis were used to reveal the mechanism underly this phenomenon. Results: Exosomes derived from cancer cells fuse preferentially with their parent cancer cells, in vitro. Systemically injected tumor-derived exosomes home to their original tumor tissues. Moreover, compared to Doxil alone, the drug-loaded exosomes showed enhanced therapeutic retention in tumor tissues and eradicated them more effectively in nude mice. Exosome proteome array analysis revealed distinct integrin expression patterns, which might shed light on the underlying mechanisms that explain the exosomal cancer-homing behavior. Conclusion: Here we demonstrate that the exosomes' ability to target the parent cancer is a phenomenon that opens up new ways to devise targeted therapies to deliver anti-tumor drugs.

Symposium review: Milk fat globule size: Practical implications and metabolic regulation

Milk fat globule (MFG) size ranges over 3 orders of magnitude, from less than 200 nm to over 15 µm. The significance of MFG size derives from its tight association with its lipidome and proteome. More specifically, small MFG have relatively higher content of membrane compared with large globules, and this membrane exerts diverse positive health effects, as reported in human and animal studies. In addition, MFG size has industrial significance, as it affects the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of dairy products. Studies on the size regulation of MFG are scarce, mainly because various confounders indirectly affect MFG size. Because MFG size is determined before and during its secretion from mammary epithelial cells, studies on the size regulation of its precursors, the intracellular lipid droplets (LD), have been used as a proxy for understanding the mechanisms controlling MFG size. In this review, we provide evidence for 2 distinct mechanisms regulating LD size in mammary epithelial cells: co-regulation of fat content and triglyceride-synthesis capacity of the cells, and fusion between LD. The latter is controlled by the membrane's polar lipid composition and involves mitochondrial enzymes. Accordingly, this review also discusses MFG size regulation in the in vivo metabolic context, as MFG morphometric features are often modulated under conditions that involve animals' altered energy status.

Reducing Bacterial Infections and Biofilm Formation Using Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Antibacterial Surfaces

With the rapid spreading of resistance among common bacterial pathogens, bacterial infections, especially antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, have drawn much attention worldwide. In light of this, nanoparticles, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, liposomes, polymersomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles, have been increasingly exploited as both efficient antimicrobials themselves or as delivery platforms to enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. In addition to the emergence of widespread antibiotic resistance, of equal concern are implantable device-associated infections, which result from bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation at the site of implantation. The ineffectiveness of conventional antibiotics against these biofilms often leads to revision surgery, which is both debilitating to the patient and expensive. Toward this end, micro- and nanotopographies, especially those that resemble natural surfaces, and nonfouling chemistries represent a promising combination for long-term antibacterial activity. Collectively, the use of nanoparticles and nanostructured surfaces to combat bacterial growth and infections is a promising solution to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance and biofilm-related device infections.

Tat-functionalized liposomes for the treatment of meningitis: an in vitro study

Bacterial meningitis has become a global concern, because of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It has been demonstrated that liposomes can enter bacteria, thus providing a possible treatment for numerous infections, including meningitis. Fusogenic liposomes are pH-sensitive with a high capacity to fuse with the bacteria membrane and promote intracellular drug release. Moreover, this ability can be improved by using cell-penetrating peptides (such as Tat47–57, which is a peptide derived from the Tat protein of HIV). The purpose of this in vitro study was to demonstrate for the first time the ability of the presently prepared fusogenic liposomes, which were spherical particles with a diameter of 100 nm loaded with antibiotics and functionalized with-cell penetrating peptides (Tat_47–57), to fight the main bacteria that cause meningitis. For this, vancomycin, methicillin, and ampicillin antibiotics were loaded inside fusogenic liposomes to fight Streptococcus pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Antibacterial activity of Tat-functionalized and nonfunctionalized liposomes loaded with antibiotics was tested by determining bacteria colony-forming units and growth-curve assays coupled with live/dead assays using fluorescence microscopy. Results showed a remarkable decrease in antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentration when all of the bacteria were treated with these novel liposomes, especially for the functionalized liposomes loaded with methicillin. With antibiotic concentrations of 1.7–3 µg/mL for Tat-functionalized liposomes loaded with methicillin, the bacteria population was totally eradicated. Cytotoxicity tests with astrocytes and endothelial cells, major cellular components of the blood–brain barrier, were also performed for all of the liposomes, including free antibiotic and the Tat peptide. Results showed much promise for the further study of the presently formulated liposomes to treat meningitis.

Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy: What Is Available and What Is Yet to Come

Cancer is a leading cause of death in many countries around the world. However, the efficacy of current standard treatments for a variety of cancers is suboptimal. First, most cancer treatments lack specificity, meaning that these treatments affect both cancer cells and their normal counterparts. Second, many anticancer agents are highly toxic, and thus, limit their use in treatment. Third, a number of cytotoxic chemotherapeutics are highly hydrophobic, which limits their utility in cancer therapy. Finally, many chemotherapeutic agents exhibit short half-lives that curtail their efficacy. As a result of these deficiencies, many current treatments lead to side effects, noncompliance, and patient inconvenience due to difficulties in administration. However, the application of nanotechnology has led to the development of effective nanosized drug delivery systems known commonly as nanoparticles. Among these delivery systems, lipid-based nanoparticles, particularly liposomes, have shown to be quite effective at exhibiting the ability to: 1) improve the selectivity of cancer chemotherapeutic agents; 2) lower the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs to normal tissues, and thus, reduce their toxic side effects; 3) increase the solubility of hydrophobic drugs; and 4) offer a prolonged and controlled release of agents. This review will discuss the current state of lipid-based nanoparticle research, including the development of liposomes for cancer therapy, different strategies for tumor targeting, liposomal formulation of various anticancer drugs that are commercially available, recent progress in liposome technology for the treatment of cancer, and the next generation of lipid-based nanoparticles.

Extracellular Vesicles from Trypanosoma brucei Mediate Virulence Factor Transfer and Cause Host Anemia

Intercellular communication between parasites and with host cells provides mechanisms for parasite development, immune evasion, and disease pathology. Bloodstream African trypanosomes produce membranous nanotubes that originate from the flagellar membrane and disassociate into free extracellular vesicles (EVs). Trypanosome EVs contain several flagellar proteins that contribute to virulence, and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense EVs contain the serum resistance-associated protein (SRA) necessary for human infectivity. T. b. rhodesiense EVs transfer SRA to non-human infectious trypanosomes, allowing evasion of human innate immunity. Trypanosome EVs can also fuse with mammalian erythrocytes, resulting in rapid erythrocyte clearance and anemia. These data indicate that trypanosome EVs are organelles mediating non-hereditary virulence factor transfer and causing host erythrocyte remodeling, inducing anemia.

Nanotechnology approaches for antibacterial drug delivery: Preparation and microbiological evaluation of fusogenic liposomes carrying fusidic acid

Many antibacterial drugs have some difficulty passing through the bacterial cell membrane, especially if they have a high molecular weight or large spatial structure. Consequently, intrinsic resistance is shown by some bacterial strains. Reduced cell membrane permeability is one of the mechanisms of resistance known for fusidic acid (FUS), a bacteriostatic steroidal compound with activity limited to Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, the lipophilic character of FUS has been shown to cause drug retention inside the bilayers of cell membranes, preventing its diffusion towards target sites inside the cytoplasm. Targeting antimicrobial agents by means of liposomes may be a valid strategy in the treatment of infections refractory to conventional routes of antimicrobial treatment. On this basis, loading of FUS in fusogenic liposomes (FLs) was planned in this study. Fusogenic small unilamellar vesicles loaded with FUS were produced to evaluate their influence on improving the cell penetration and antibacterial activity of the antibiotic. The produced carriers were technologically characterised and were subjected to an in vitro microbiological assay against several strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The experimental results showed that encapsulating FUS in a liposomal carrier can improve antimicrobial efficacy and reduce the effective concentration required, probably through putative mechanisms of increased diffusion through the bacterial cell membrane. In fact, whilst free FUS was active only on the tested Gram-positive strains, incubation of FUS-loaded FLs exhibited growth inhibitory activity both against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. The lowest MICs were obtained against Staphylococcus epidermidis (≤0.15 μg/mL) and Acinetobacter baumannii (37.5 μg/mL) clinical strains.

Cationic polyene phospholipids as DNA carriers for ocular gene therapy

Recent success in the treatment of congenital blindness demonstrates the potential of ocular gene therapy as a therapeutic approach. The eye is a good target due to its small size, minimal diffusion of therapeutic agent to the systemic circulation, and low immune and inflammatory responses. Currently, most approaches are based on viral vectors, but efforts continue towards the synthesis and evaluation of new nonviral carriers to improve nucleic acid delivery. Our objective is to evaluate the efficiency of novel cationic retinoic and carotenoic glycol phospholipids, designated C20-18, C20-20, and C30-20, to deliver DNA to human retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells. Liposomes were produced by solvent evaporation of ethanolic mixtures of the polyene compounds and coformulated with 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) or cholesterol (Chol). Addition of DNA to the liposomes formed lipoplexes, which were characterized for binding, size, biocompatibility, and transgene efficiency. Lipoplex formulations of suitable size and biocompatibility were assayed for DNA delivery, both qualitatively and quantitatively, using RPE cells and a GFP-encoding plasmid. The retinoic lipoplex formulation with DOPE revealed a transfection efficiency comparable to the known lipid references 3β-[N-(N′,N′-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl]-cholesterol (DC-Chol) and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (EPC) and GeneJuice. The results demonstrate that cationic polyene phospholipids have potential as DNA carriers for ocular gene therapy.

Aspects of nonviral gene therapy: correlation of molecular parameters with lipoplex structure and transfection efficacy in pyridinium-based cationic lipids

This study seeks correlations between the molecular structures of cationic and neutral lipids, the lipid phase behavior of the mixed-lipid lipoplexes they form with plasmid DNA, and the transfection efficacy of the lipoplexes. Synthetic cationic pyridinium lipids were co-formulated (1:1) with the cationic lipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (EPC), and these lipids were co-formulated (3:2) with the neutral lipids 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) or cholesterol. All lipoplex formulations exhibited plasmid DNA binding and a level of protection from DNase I degradation. Composition-dependent transfection (beta-galactosidase and GFP) and cytotoxicity was observed in Chinese hamster ovarian-K1 cells. The most active formulations containing the pyridinium lipids were less cytotoxic but of comparable activity to a Lipofectamine 2000™ control. Molecular structure parameters and partition coefficients were calculated for all lipids using fragment additive methods. The derived shape parameter values correctly correlated with observed hexagonal lipid phase behavior of lipoplexes as derived from small-angle X-ray scattering experiments. A transfection index applicable to hexagonal phase lipoplexes derived from calculated parameters of the lipid mixture (partition coefficient, shape parameter, lipoplex packing) produced a direct correlation with transfection efficiency.

Analyzing live cellularity in the human trabecular meshwork

PURPOSE

To directly visualize the live cellularity of the intact human trabecular meshwork (TM) and quantitatively analyze tissue viability in situ.

METHODS

Human donor corneoscleral rims were sectioned immediately before intravital dye incubation to label nuclei (Hoechst 33342 & propidium iodide [PI]); cytosol (CellTracker Red CMTPX, calcein AM); and membranes (octadecyl rhodamine B chloride [R18]), followed by 2-photon microscopy. Viability was assessed by counting cells in tissue colabeled with PI and Calcein AM. Some tissues were exposed to Triton X-100 to establish dead tissue controls. Fresh postmortem eyes (within 48 hours of death) represented viable tissue controls. Tissues with live cellularity exceeding 50% were considered viable.

RESULTS

Hoechst nuclear labeling was seen throughout the TM, among the autofluorescent beams, plate-like structures and fibers of the meshwork, and within tissue gaps and pores. CellTracker-labeled live cells were attached to autofluorescent TM structures and filled corneoscleral meshwork pores. R18-labeling revealed the membrane distributions of interconnected cells. Calcein-positive cells were visible in all TM layers, but not in tissues killed by Triton X-100 exposure. Dead control tissues showed PI staining in the absence of Calcein-positive cells. Two-thirds of the standard donor tissues we received possessed viable TM, having a mean live cellularity of 71% (n = 14), comparable with freshly postmortem eyes (76%; n = 2). Mean live cellularity of nonviable tissue was 11% (n = 7).

CONCLUSIONS

We have visualized and quantified the live cellularity of the TM in situ. This provided unique perspectives of live cell-matrix organization and a means of assaying tissue viability.

Construction and characterization of an in-vivo linear covalently closed DNA vector production system

BACKGROUND

While safer than their viral counterparts, conventional non-viral gene delivery DNA vectors offer a limited safety profile. They often result in the delivery of unwanted prokaryotic sequences, antibiotic resistance genes, and the bacterial origins of replication to the target, which may lead to the stimulation of unwanted immunological responses due to their chimeric DNA composition. Such vectors may also impart the potential for chromosomal integration, thus potentiating oncogenesis. We sought to engineer an in vivo system for the quick and simple production of safer DNA vector alternatives that were devoid of non-transgene bacterial sequences and would lethally disrupt the host chromosome in the event of an unwanted vector integration event.

RESULTS

We constructed a parent eukaryotic expression vector possessing a specialized manufactured multi-target site called "Super Sequence", and engineered E. coli cells (R-cell) that conditionally produce phage-derived recombinase Tel (PY54), TelN (N15), or Cre (P1). Passage of the parent plasmid vector through R-cells under optimized conditions, resulted in rapid, efficient, and one step in vivo generation of mini lcc--linear covalently closed (Tel/TelN-cell), or mini ccc--circular covalently closed (Cre-cell), DNA constructs, separated from the backbone plasmid DNA. Site-specific integration of lcc plasmids into the host chromosome resulted in chromosomal disruption and 10(5) fold lower viability than that seen with the ccc counterpart.

CONCLUSION

We offer a high efficiency mini DNA vector production system that confers simple, rapid and scalable in vivo production of mini lcc DNA vectors that possess all the benefits of "minicircle" DNA vectors and virtually eliminate the potential for undesirable vector integration events.

Synaptic membrane proteins form stable microdomains in early endosomes

In the plasma membrane, membrane proteins are frequently organized in microdomains that are stabilized both by protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions, with the membrane lipid cholesterol being instrumental for microdomain stability. However, it is unclear whether such microdomains persist during endocytotic membrane trafficking. We used stimulated emission-depletion microscopy to investigate the domain structure of the endosomes. We developed a semiautomatic method for counting the individual domains, an approach that we have validated by immunoelectron microscopy. We found that in endosomes derived from neuroendocrine PC12 cells synaptophysin and several SNARE proteins are organized in microdomains. Cholesterol depletion by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin disintegrates most of the domains. Interestingly, no change in the frequency of microdomains was observed when endosomes were fused with protein-free liposomes of similar size (in what constitutes a novel approach in modifying acutely the lipid composition of organelles), regardless of whether the membrane lipid composition of the liposomes was similar or very different from that of the endosomes. Similarly, Rab depletion from the endosome membranes left the domain structure unaffected. Furthermore, labeled exogenous protein, introduced into endosomes by liposome fusion, equilibrated with the corresponding microdomains. We conclude that synaptic membrane proteins are organized in stable but dynamic clusters within endosomes, which are likely to persist during membrane recycling.

Galectin-5 is bound onto the surface of rat reticulocyte exosomes and modulates vesicle uptake by macrophages

Reticulocytes release small membrane vesicles termed exosomes during their maturation into erythrocytes. Exosomes are intraluminal vesicles of multivesicular endosomes released into the extracellular medium by fusion of these endosomal compartments with the plasma membrane. This secretion pathway contributes to reticulocyte plasma membrane remodeling by eliminating certain membrane glycoproteins. We show in this study that galectin-5, although mainly cytosolic, is also present on the cell surface of rat reticulocytes and erythrocytes. In addition, in reticulocytes, it resides in the endosomal compartment. We document galectin-5 translocation from the cytosol into the endosome lumen, leading to its secretion in association with exosomes. Galectin-5 bound onto the vesicle surface may function in sorting galactose-bearing glycoconjugates. Fittingly, we found that Lamp2, a major cellular glycoprotein presenting galectin-reactive poly-N-acetylactosamine chains, is lost during reticulocyte maturation. It is associated with released exosomes, suggestive of binding to galectin-5. Finally, we reveal that the uptake of rat reticulocyte exosomes by macrophages is dependent on temperature and the mechanoenzyme dynamin and that exosome uptake is decreased by adding galectin-5. These data imply galectin-5 functionality in the exosomal sorting pathway during rat reticulocyte maturation.

Microenvironmental pH is a key factor for exosome traffic in tumor cells

Exosomes secreted by normal and cancer cells carry and deliver a variety of molecules. To date, mechanisms referring to tumor exosome trafficking, including release and cell-cell transmission, have not been described. To gain insight into this, exosomes purified from metastatic melanoma cell medium were labeled with a lipid fluorescent probe, R18, and analyzed by spectrofluorometry and confocal microscopy. A low pH condition is a hallmark of tumor malignancy, potentially influencing exosome release and uptake by cancer cells. Using different pH conditions as a modifier of exosome traffic, we showed (i) an increased exosome release and uptake at low pH when compared with a buffered condition and (ii) exosome uptake by melanoma cells occurred by fusion. Membrane biophysical analysis, such as fluidity and lipid composition, indicated a high rigidity and sphingomyelin/ganglioside GM3 (N-acetylneuraminylgalactosylglucosylceramide) content in exosomes released at low pH. This was likely responsible for the increased fusion efficiency. Consistent with these results, pretreatment with proton pump inhibitors led to an inhibition of exosome uptake by melanoma cells. Fusion efficiency of tumor exosomes resulted in being higher in cells of metastatic origin than in those derived from primary tumors or normal cells. Furthermore, we found that caveolin-1, a protein involved in melanoma progression, is highly delivered through exosomes released in an acidic condition. The results of our study provide the evidence that exosomes may be used as a delivery system for paracrine diffusion of tumor malignancy, in turn supporting the importance of both exosomes and tumor pH as key targets for future anti-cancer strategies.

Cholesterol, regulated exocytosis and the physiological fusion machine

Exocytosis is a highly conserved and essential process. Although numerous proteins are involved throughout the exocytotic process, the defining membrane fusion step appears to occur through a lipid-dominated mechanism. Here we review and integrate the current literature on protein and lipid roles in exocytosis, with emphasis on the multiple roles of cholesterol in exocytosis and membrane fusion, in an effort to promote a more molecular systems-level view of the as yet poorly understood process of Ca2+-triggered membrane mergers.

pH-sensitive liposomes--principle and application in cancer therapy

The purpose of this review is to provide an insight into the different aspects of pH-sensitive liposomes. The review consists of 6 parts: the first introduces different types of medications made in liposomal drug delivery to overcome several drawbacks; the second elaborates the development of pH-sensitive liposomes; the third explains diverse mechanisms associated with the endocytosis and the cytosolic delivery of the drugs through pH-sensitive liposomes; the fourth describes the role and importance of pH-sensitive lipid dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) and research carried on it; the fifth explains successful strategies used so far using the mechanism of pH sensitivity for fusogenic activity; the final part is a compilation of research that has played a significant role in emphasizing the success of pH-sensitive liposomes as an efficient drug delivery system in the treatment of malignant tumours. pH-Sensitive liposomes have been extensively studied in recent years as an amicable alternative to conventional liposomes in effectively targeting and accumulating anti-cancer drugs in tumours. This research suggests that pH-sensitive liposomes are more efficient in delivering anti-cancer drugs than conventional and long-circulating liposomes due to their fusogenic property. Research focused on the clinical and therapeutic side of pH-sensitive liposomes would enable their commercial utility in cancer treatment.

Phospholipid diversity: Correlation with membrane–membrane fusion events

The transport of various metabolically important substances along the endocytic and secretory pathways involves budding as well as fusion of vesicles with various intracellular compartments and plasma membrane. The membrane-membrane fusion events between various sub-compartments of the cell are believed to be mainly mediated by so-called "fusion proteins". This study shows that beside the proteins, lipid components of membrane may play an equally important role in fusion and budding processes. Inside out (ISO) as well as right side out (RSO) erythrocyte vesicles were evaluated for their fusogenic potential using conventional membrane fusion assay methods. Both fluorescence dequenching as well as content mixing assays revealed fusogenic potential of the erythrocyte vesicles. Among two types of vesicles, ISO were found to be more fusogenic as compared to the RSO vesicles. Interestingly, ISO retained nearly half of their fusogenic properties after removal of the proteins, suggesting the remarkable role of lipids in the fusion process. In another set of experiments, fusogenic properties of the liposomes (subtilosome), prepared from phospholipids isolated from Bacillus subtilis (a lower microbe) were compared with those of erythrocyte vesicles. We have also demonstrated that various types of vesicles upon interaction with macrophages deliver encapsulated materials to the cytosol of the cells. Membrane-membrane fusion was also followed by the study, in which a protein synthesis inhibitor ricin A (that does not cross plasma membrane), when encapsulated in the erythrocyte vesicles or subtilosomes was demonstrated to gain access to the cytosol.

Influence of the Membrane Lipid Structure on Signal Processing via G Protein-Coupled Receptors

We have recently reported that lipid structure regulates the interaction with membranes, recruitment to membranes, and distribution to membrane domains of heterotrimeric Galphabetagamma proteins, Galpha subunits, and Gbetagamma dimers (J Biol Chem 279:36540-36545, 2004). Here, we demonstrate that modulation of the membrane structure not only determines G protein localization but also regulates the function of G proteins and related signaling proteins. In this context, the antitumor drug daunorubicin (daunomycin) and oleic acid changed the membrane structure and inhibited G protein activity in biological membranes. They also induced marked changes in the activity of the alpha(2A/D)-adrenergic receptor and adenylyl cyclase. In contrast, elaidic and stearic acid did not change the activity of the above-mentioned proteins. These fatty acids are chemical but not structural analogs of oleic acid, supporting the structural basis of the modulation of membrane lipid organization and subsequent regulation of G protein-coupled receptor signaling. In addition, oleic acid (and also daunorubicin) did not alter G protein activity in a membrane-free system, further demonstrating the involvement of membrane structure in this signal modulation. The present work also unravels in part the molecular bases involved in the antihypertensive (Hypertension 43:249-254, 2004) and anticancer (Mol Pharmacol 67:531-540, 2005) activities of synthetic oleic acid derivatives (e.g., 2-hydroxyoleic acid) as well as the molecular bases of the effects of diet fats on human health.

Revisiting the role of SNAREs in exocytosis and membrane fusion

For over a decade SNARE hypotheses have been proposed to explain the mechanism of membrane fusion, yet the field still lacks sufficient evidence to conclusively identify the minimal components of native fusion. Consequently, debate concerning the postulated role(s) of SNAREs in membrane fusion continues. The focus of this review is to revisit original literature with a current perspective. Our analysis begins with the earliest studies of clostridial toxins, leading to various cellular and molecular approaches that have been used to test for the roles of SNAREs in exocytosis. We place much emphasis on distinguishing between specific effects on membrane fusion and effects on other critical steps in exocytosis. Although many systems can be used to study exocytosis, few permit selective access to specific steps in the pathway, such as membrane fusion. Thus, while SNARE proteins are essential to the physiology of exocytosis, assay limitations often prevent definitive conclusions concerning the molecular mechanism of membrane fusion. In all, the SNAREs are more likely to function upstream as modulators or priming factors of fusion.

In vitro fusion between Saccharomyces cerevisiae secretory vesicles and cytoplasmic-side-out plasma membrane vesicles

The final step in the secretory pathway, which is the fusion event between secretory vesicles and the plasma membrane, was reconstructed using highly purified secretory vesicles and cytoplasmic-side-out plasma membrane vesicles from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both organelle preparations were obtained from a sec 6-4 temperature-sensitive mutant. Fusion was monitored by means of a fluorescence assay based on the dequenching of the lipophilic fluorescent probe octadecylrhodamine B-chloride (R18). The probe was incorporated into the membrane of secretory vesicles, and it diluted in unlabelled cytoplasmic-side-out plasma membrane vesicles as the fusion process took place. The obtained experimental dequenching curves were found by mathematical analysis to consist of two independent but simultaneous processes. Whereas one of them reflected the fusion process between both vesicle populations as confirmed by its dependence on the assay conditions, the other represented a non-specific transfer of the probe. The fusion process may now be examined in detail using the preparation, validation and analytical methods developed in this study.

In vitro fusion of plant Golgi membranes can be influenced by divalent cations

The fusogenic activity of plant Golgi membranes was studied in a cell-free system by assaying lipid mixing and content leakages of fluorescence probes. Golgi membranes from mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) hypocotyl cells fused to liposomes in the absence of any cytosolic proteins and nucleotides. It was demonstrated that the fusion was mediated by integral membrane protein(s), and was influenced by divalent cations (mm). Mg(2+), Ca(2+), and Mn(2+) ions enhanced the lipid mixing by reducing repulsive forces between membranes. In the content leakage assay, Mg(2+) ions also showed a stimulative effect. However, other divalent cations were inhibitory. It is suggested that the fusion system of Golgi membranes comprises at least two components: one that mediates the formation of fusion intermediates prior to pore opening, and one that mediates the subsequent processes. The latter must be sensitive to divalent cations at millimolar concentrations. The fusion of Golgi and biological membranes was induced by divalent cations. We speculated about the biological role of the fusion system studied here.

On the mechanisms of internalization and intracellular delivery mediated by pH-sensitive liposomes

We investigated the molecular mechanisms by which pH-sensitive liposomes surpass the cytoplasmic and endosomal membranes to deliver their aqueous contents into the cytoplasm. Various liposome formulations were evaluated for their efficacy to mediate intracellular delivery of encapsulated material, including a novel sterically stabilized pH-sensitive formulation ((DOPE:CHEMS:DSPE-PEG(2000) (6:4:0.3)) that was previously developed in our laboratories. In an attempt to fully characterize the nature of liposome-cell interactions different approaches based on a dual-labeling fluorescence assay were used. Our results indicate that the efficacy of interaction of pH-sensitive liposomes, both plain and sterically stabilized, with cells is strongly determined by the inclusion of DOPE in their composition, independently of the type of the amphiphilic stabilizer used. In fact, DOPE-containing liposomes shown to be non-pH sensitive by biophysical assays, mediated cytoplasmic delivery of their contents as efficiently as well known pH-sensitive formulations (e.g. DOPE:CHEMS). However, among the different formulations studied, DOPE:CHEMS liposomes were those exhibiting the highest extent of cell association. Moreover, our results with cells pretreated with metabolic inhibitors or lysosomotropic agents clearly indicate that DOPE-containing liposomes are internalized essentially by endocytosis and that acidification of the endosomes is not the only mechanism involved in the destabilization of the liposomes inside the cell.

Acidic pH generated by H+-ATPase pumps triggers the activity of a fusogenic protein associated with rat liver endoplasmic reticulum

Fusogenic protein (FP) is a glycoprotein ( approximately 50 kDa), previously purified by us from rat liver endoplasmic reticulum, which explicates fusogenic activity at acidic pH in vitro. To suggest a possible role of FP in membrane fusion, the topology of the protein in the membrane and the conditions in which FP is operating in microsomes have been investigated. Anti-FP polyclonal antibodies inhibited pure FP activity, but not the protein activity in microsomes, suggesting interaction of antibodies with a part of FP concealed in intact membranes. FP activity in microsomes was lost after treatment with Pronase. Western blot analysis of Pronase-treated microsomes showed that the proteolysis removed a fragment ( approximately 5 kDa). This fragment is exposed on the outer surface of microsomes and involved in fusogenic activity, whereas the largest part of FP is embedded in microsomal vesicles. Therefore, FP can be affected by modifications on the cytosolic and luminal sides of microsomal membranes. Indeed, when microsomal lumen was acidified by H+-ATPase activity, binding and fusion of fluorescent labelled liposomes to microsomes occurred. Direct involvement of FP in the fusogenic event was observed by reconstituting pure FP in liposomes with a preformed H+ gradient. FP triggered a fusion process in response to the acidic interior of liposomes, despite an exterior 7.4 pH unable to promote fusogenic protein activity. As intracellular membrane fusion occurs at neutral pH involving the cytosolic sides of membranes, FP may participate in this event by exploiting the acidic pH formed in the lumen of endoplasmic reticulum through H+-translocating ATPase activity.

Greasing membrane fusion and fission machineries

Biological membrane fusion is a local-point event, extremely fast, and under strict control. Proteins are responsible for the mutual recognition of the fusion partners and for the initiation of biomembrane fusion, and thus determine where and when fusion occurs. However, the central event during membrane fusion is the merger of two membranes, which requires a transient reorganization of membrane lipids into highly curved fusion intermediates. This review focuses on the potential role of lipids in the generation of membrane curvature, and thus in the regulation of membrane fusion and fission.

Antileishmanial activities of stearylamine-bearing liposomes

Here we report the activity of liposomes comprising egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) and stearylamine (SA) against Leishmania donovani parasites. Both promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes in vitro and in vivo were susceptible to SA-PC liposomes. A single dose of 55 mg of SA-PC liposomes/animal could significantly reduce the hepatic parasite burden by 85 and 68% against recent and established experimental visceral leishmaniasis, respectively, suggesting their strong therapeutic potential.

Putative fusogenic activity of NSF is restricted to a lipid mixture whose coalescence is also triggered by other factors

It has recently been reported that N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion ATPase (NSF) can fuse protein-free liposomes containing substantial amounts of 1,2-dioleoylphosphatidylserine (DOPS) and 1, 2-dioleoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (DOPE) (Otter-Nilsson et al., 1999). The authors impart physiological significance to this observation and propose to re-conceptualize the general role of NSF in fusion processes. We can confirm that isolated NSF can fuse liposomes of the specified composition. However, this activity of NSF is resistant to inactivation by N-ethylmaleimide and does not depend on the presence of alpha-SNAP (soluble NSF-attachment protein). Moreover, under the same conditions, either alpha-SNAP, other proteins apparently unrelated to vesicular transport (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase or lactic dehydrogenase) or even 3 mM magnesium ions can also cause lipid mixing. In contrast, neither NSF nor the other proteins nor magnesium had any significant fusogenic activity with liposomes composed of a biologically occurring mixture of lipids. A straightforward explanation is that the lipid composition chosen as optimal for NSF favors non-specific fusion because it is physically unstable when formed into liposomes. A variety of minor perturbations could then trigger coalescence.

Cytosolic ATPases, p97 and NSF, are sufficient to mediate rapid membrane fusion

Much recent work has focussed on the role of membrane-bound components in fusion. We show here that p97 and NSF are sufficient to mediate rapid membrane fusion. Fractionation of cytosol revealed that p97 and its co-factor, p47, constitutes the major fusion activity. This was confirmed by depleting p97 from the cytosol, which resulted in an 80% decrease in fusion. Using purified protein, p97 or NSF was found to be sufficient to mediate rapid fusion in an ATP-dependent manner. A regulatory role was observed for their corresponding co-factors, p47 and alpha-SNAP. When present at a molar ratio half of that of the ATPase, both co-factors increased fusion activity significantly. Intriguingly, at this ratio the ATPase activity of the complex measured in solution was at its lowest, suggesting that the co-factor stabilizes the ATP state. The fusion event involved mixing of both leaflets of the opposing membranes and contents of liposomes. We conclude from these data that p97, NSF and perhaps other related ATPases catalyse rapid and complete fusion between lipid bilayers on opposing membranes. This highlights a new role for p97 and NSF and prompts a re-evaluation of current fusion models.

Liposomes fuse with sperm cells and induce activation by delivery of impermeant agents

Sperm cell activation is a critical step in fertilization. To directly investigate the cell signaling events leading to sperm activation it is necessary to deliver membrane impermeant agents into the cytoplasm. In this study, the use of liposomes as possible agent-loading vectors was examined using (1) the octadecylrhodamine B (R18) and NBD phosphatidylethanolamine (NBD DHPE)/rhodamine phosphatidylethanolamine (rhod DHPE) fusion assays in bulk samples, (2) membrane transfer of fluorescence from liposome membranes labeled with R18 and rhodamine-tagged phosphatidylethanolamine (TRITC DHPE), and (3) lumenal transfer of impermeant calcium ions from liposomes to sperm cells, a process that stimulated sperm cell activation. Intermediate-sized unilamellar liposomes (98.17+/-15.34 nm) were prepared by the detergent-removal technique using sodium cholate as the detergent and a phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine/cholesterol (2:1:1 mole ratio) lipid composition. In the R18 fusion assays, self-quenching increased logarithmically with increasing concentrations of R18 in the liposome membranes; addition of unlabeled sperm to R18-labeled liposomes lead to a rapid release of self-quenching. In the NBD DHPE/rhod DHPE resonance energy transfer (RET) fusion assay, RET was rapidly reduced under similar conditions. In addition, individual sperm became fluorescent when TRITC DHPE-labeled liposomes were incubated with unlabeled sperm cells. Incubation of sperm cells with empty liposomes did not significantly affect sperm cell activation and did not alter cell morphology. However, incubation with Ca (10 mM)-loaded liposomes resulted in a time-dependent increase in sperm cell activation (7.5-fold over controls after 15 min). We conclude that liposomes can be used for direct loading of membrane-impermeant agents into sea squirt sperm cell cytoplasm, and that delivery occurs via fusion and content intermixing.

Liposomes coated with chemically modified dextran interact with human endothelial cells

Some liposomal formulations are now in clinical use. New applications in biology and medicine using targeted liposomes remain an intensive research area. In this context, liposomes constituted of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and cholesterol (70/10/20 mol %) were prepared by detergent dialysis and coated with dextran (Dx) or functionalized dextran (FDx), both hydrophobized by a cholesterol anchor which penetrates the lipid bilayer during the vesicle formation. The coating of liposomes with these polysaccharides was performed because chemically modified dextran but not native Dx interacted with vascular cells. The liposome uptake by human endothelial cells was followed using uncoated and coated liposomes radiolabeled with a neutral lipid (3H-cholesterol) and a polar phospholipid (14C-PC). The results indicated for both radiolabels a preferential uptake by endothelial cells of FDx-coated liposomes compared to uncoated or Dx-coated liposomes. Addition to the culture medium of calcium up to 10 mM further enhanced the level and rate of incorporation of FDx-coated liposomes, whereas interaction of endothelial cells with uncoated liposomes or liposomes coated with Dx was poorly affected. Liposome membranes were then labeled with N-(lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl)diacyl-PE and liposome uptake by endothelial cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The punctate intracellular fluorescence of cells incubated at 37 degrees C with fluorolabeled liposomes is indicative of the liposome localization within the endocytotic pathway of the cells. Altogether, these data demonstrate that coating of liposomes with FDx enable specific interactions with human endothelial cells in culture. Consequently, these liposomes coated with bioactive polymers represent an attractive approach as materials for use as drug delivery vehicles targeting vascular cells.

Lipid headgroup spacing and peptide penetration, but not peptide oligomerization, modulate peptide-induced fusion

In this study, the mechanism by which an amphipathic negatively charged peptide consisting of 11 amino acids (WAE) induces fusion of liposomal phosphatidylcholine membranes is investigated. WAE-induced fusion, which only occurs when the peptide is covalently attached to the bilayer, shows a highly remarkable dependence on naturally occurring phosphatidylcholine species. The initial rate of fusion increased in the order 1-palmitoyl 2-arachidonoyl PC (PAPC) > 1-palmitoyl 2-oleoyl PC (POPC) > 1-stearoyl 2-oleoyl PC (SOPC) > dioleoyl PC (DOPC) > egg yolk PC. Interestingly, the susceptibility of the various PC species toward WAE-induced fusion matched a similar order of increase in intrinsic lipid headgroup spacing of the target membrane. The degree of spacing, in turn, was found to be related to the extent by which the fluorescence quantum yield of the Trp residue increased, which occurred upon the interaction of WAE with target membranes. Therefore, these results demonstrate an enhanced ability for WAE to engage in hydrophobic interactions when headgroup spacing increases. Thus, this latter parameter most likely regulates the degree of penetration of WAE into the target membrane. Apart from penetrating, WAE oligomerizes at the site of fusion as revealed by monitoring the self-quenching of the fluorescently derivatized lipid anchor to which WAE is attached. Clustering appears specifically related to the process of membrane fusion and not membrane aggregation. This is indicated by the fact that fusion and clustering, but not aggregation, display the same strict temperature dependence. However, evidence is presented indicating that clustering is an accompanying event rather than a prerequisite for fusion. The notion that various biologically relevant fusion phenomena are accompanied by protein clustering and the specific PC-species-dependent regulation of membrane fusion emphasize the biological significance of the peptide in serving as a model for investigating mechanisms of protein-induced fusion.

Reconstitution of membrane fusion between pancreatic islet secretory granules and plasma membranes: catalysis by a protein constituent recognized by monoclonal antibodies directed against glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

An isoform of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) isolated and purified from rabbit brain cytosol has previously been demonstrated to catalyze membrane fusion (Glaser and Gross, Biochemistry 33 (1994) 5805-5812; Glaser and Gross, Biochemistry 34 (1995) 12193-12203). Herein, we provide evidence suggesting that this GAPDH isoform can reconstitute in vitro protein-catalyzed fusion between naturally occurring subcellular membrane fractions involved in insulin exocytosis. Utilizing purified rat pancreatic beta-cell plasma membranes and secretory granules, we show that a brain cytosolic factor catalyzed the rapid and efficient fusion of these two purified membrane fractions which could be inhibited by a monoclonal antibody directed against the brain isoform of GAPDH. Moreover, the brain cytosolic factor also catalyzed the fusion of reconstituted vesicles prepared from lipid extracts of islet plasma membranes and secretory granules. Although the brain cytosolic factor rapidly catalyzed membrane fusion between islet plasma membranes and secretory granules, it did not catalyze fusion between one secretory granule population with another. To identify the potential importance of brain cytosolic factor catalyzed membrane fusion in islet cells, we examined extracts of hamster insulinoma tumor cells (HIT cells) for fusion-catalyzing activity. A protein constituent was present in HIT cell cytosol which was immunologically similar to the rabbit brain GAPDH isoform. Although native HIT cell cytosol did not catalyze membrane fusion, removal of an endogenous protein inhibitor unmasked the presence of the protein which catalyzed membrane fusion activity and such fusion was ablated by a monoclonal antibody directed against the brain isoform of GAPDH. Collectively, these results suggest the possibility that an isoform of brain GAPDH, also evident in HIT cells, can catalyze fusion between the two naturally occurring subcellular membrane compartments involved in insulin secretion and suggest a novel paradigm potentially coupling glycolytic flux with insulin release.

Membrane fusion is induced by a distinct peptide sequence of the sea urchin fertilization protein bindin

Fertilization in the sea urchin is mediated by the membrane-associated acrosomal protein bindin, which plays a key role in the adhesion and fusion between sperm and egg. We have investigated the structure/function relationship of an 18-amino acid peptide fragment "B18," which represents the minimal membrane binding motif of the protein and resembles a putative fusion peptide. The peptide was found to mimic the behavior of its parent protein bindin with respect to (a) its high affinity for lipid bilayers, (b) the ability to aggregate and fuse vesicles, (c) the binding of Zn2+ by a histidine-rich motif, (d) the tendency to self-assemble, and (e), as indicated earlier, the adhesion to cell surface polysaccharides. Fluorescence and light scattering assays were used here to monitor peptide-induced lipid mixing, leakage, and aggregation of large unilamellar sphingomyelin/cholesterol vesicles. For these activities, B18 requires the presence of Zn2+ ions, with which it forms oligomeric complexes and assumes a partially alpha-helical conformation, as observed by circular dichroism. We conclude that aggregation and fusion involves a "trans-complex" between peptides on apposing vesicles that are connected by Zn2+ bridges.

Decay-Accelerating Factor (CD55) and Membrane Inhibitor of Reactive Lysis (CD59) Are Released Within Exosomes During In Vitro Maturation of Reticulocytes

Exosomes are membrane vesicles released by reticulocytes during their maturation into erythrocytes. They have a clearing function because of their enrichment with some proteins known to decrease or disappear from the cell surface during maturation, eg, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and transferrin receptor (TfR), respectively. To better understand the molecular events leading to protein sorting in exosomes, we analyzed the expression of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins on the exosome surface through a technique involving bead coupling and flow cytometry immunodetection. The presence of AChE, decay-accelerating factor (DAF), membrane inhibitor of reactive lysis (MIRL), and lymphocyte function-associated antigen 3 (LFA-3) on the surface of exosomes obtained from normal and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) reticulocytes, suggests that (1) the GPI anchor is efficiently sorted during exosome formation, (2) exosome release could account for the observed discrepancy in GPI-protein expression between reticulocytes and erythrocytes from PNH patients, and (3) exosomes could have another physiologic function related to controlling membrane attack complex formation.

Decay-Accelerating Factor (CD55) and Membrane Inhibitor of Reactive Lysis (CD59) Are Released Within Exosomes During In Vitro Maturation of Reticulocytes

Exosomes are membrane vesicles released by reticulocytes during their maturation into erythrocytes. They have a clearing function because of their enrichment with some proteins known to decrease or disappear from the cell surface during maturation, eg, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and transferrin receptor (TfR), respectively. To better understand the molecular events leading to protein sorting in exosomes, we analyzed the expression of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins on the exosome surface through a technique involving bead coupling and flow cytometry immunodetection. The presence of AChE, decay-accelerating factor (DAF), membrane inhibitor of reactive lysis (MIRL), and lymphocyte function-associated antigen 3 (LFA-3) on the surface of exosomes obtained from normal and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) reticulocytes, suggests that (1) the GPI anchor is efficiently sorted during exosome formation, (2) exosome release could account for the observed discrepancy in GPI-protein expression between reticulocytes and erythrocytes from PNH patients, and (3) exosomes could have another physiologic function related to controlling membrane attack complex formation.

Exoenzyme S from P. aeruginosa ADP ribosylates rab4 and inhibits transferrin recycling in SLO-permeabilized reticulocytes

ADP-ribosylation of rab proteins by exoenzyme S (Exo S) of P. aeruginosa was studied using reticulocytes. 14-3-3 protein, the eukaryotic cofactor that is obligatory for Exo S activity, was found in association with reticulocyte endocytic vesicles and exosomes, vesicles previously shown to be enriched with rab4. Incubation of purified endocytic vesicles with Exo S triggered rab4 ADP-ribosylation. Transferrin recycling in SLO-permeabilized reticulocytes was highly impaired when Exo S was added to the cells, suggesting that ADP-ribosylation affected rab4 function. Moreover, in vitro ADP-ribosylation of different rab proteins was studied using the cofactor activity extracted from reticulocytes.

Reconstitution of calcium-triggered membrane fusion using "reserve" granules

Calcium-gated secretion of proteins involves the transfer of "reserve" granules, exocytotic vesicles that are cytoplasmic and, hence, plasma membrane-naive, from the cell interior to the surface membrane where they dock prior to fusion. Docking and subsequent priming steps are thought to require cytoplasmic factors. These steps are believed to induce fusion competence. We have tested this hypothesis by isolating reserve granules from sea urchin eggs and determining under which conditions these granules will fuse. We find that isolated reserve granules, lacking soluble cofactors, support calcium-dependent membrane fusion in vitro. Preincubation with adenosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate and guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate did not prevent fusion. Thus, isolated reserve granules have all the necessary components required for calcium-gated fusion prior to docking.

Evidence that synaptobrevin is involved in fusion between synaptic vesicles and synaptic plasma membrane vesicles

We have developed a model system, consisting of rat brain synaptic vesicles and rat brain synaptic plasma membrane vesicles, to study the fusion process associated with the exocytotic release of neurotransmitters. Our results show a significant increase in the extent of fusion when the reaction takes place in cytosol compared to that obtained when fusion is carried out in buffer. This effect is mediated by cytosolic proteins, although N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor does not play a role in fusion. We also registered an almost complete inhibition of fusion when synaptic vesicles were pre-incubated with botulinum toxin B, indicating that synaptobrevin plays an important role in the coalescence of membrane lipids of the interacting membranes.

Mechanism of oligonucleotide release from cationic liposomes

We propose a mechanism for oligonucleotide (ODN) release from cationic lipid complexes in cells that accounts for various observations on cationic lipid-nucleic acid-cell interactions. Fluorescent confocal microscopy of cells treated with rhodamine-labeled cationic liposome/ fluorescein-labeled ODN (F-ODN) complexes show the F-ODN separates from the lipid after internalization and enters the nucleus leaving the fluorescent lipid in cytoplasmic structures. ODN displacement from the complex was studied by fluorescent resonance energy transfer. Anionic liposome compositions (e.g., phosphatidylserine) that mimic the cytoplasmic facing monolayer of the cell membrane released ODN from the complex at about a 1:1 (-/+) charge ratio. Release was independent of ionic strength and pH. Physical separation of the F-ODN from monovalent and multivalent cationic lipids was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Fluid but not solid phase anionic liposomes are required, whereas the physical state of the cationic lipids does not effect the release. Water soluble molecules with a high negative linear charge density, dextran sulfate, or heparin also release ODN. However, ATP, spermidine, spermine, tRNA, DNA, polyglutamic acid, polylysine, bovine serum albumin, or histone did not release ODN, even at 100-fold charge excess (-/+). Based upon these results, we propose that the complex, after internalization by endocytosis, induces flip-flop of anionic lipids from the cytoplasmic facing monolayer. Anionic lipids laterally diffuse into the complex and form a charged neutralized ion-pair with the cationic lipids. This leads to displacement of the ODN from the cationic lipid and its release into the cytoplasm.

Non-bilayer lipids and biological fusion intermediates

Disparate biological fusion reactions and fusion of purely lipid bilayers are similarly influenced by 'non-bilayer' lipids (lipids which do not form lipid bilayers in water by themselves). Lipid composition of membranes affects biological fusion at a stage downstream of activation of fusion proteins and prior to fusion pore formation. These data suggest that actual merger of membrane lipid bilayers in different fusion reactions proceeds via the same pathway. The effects of non-bilayer lipids specifically correlate with their ability to bend lipid monolayers in different directions, and appear to be consistent with the specific hypothesis of membrane fusion suggesting that fusion proceeds through highly bent intermediates--stalks, local connections between contacting monolayers of fusing membranes.