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Real Hernandez LM, Levental I. Lipid packing is disrupted in copolymeric nanodiscs compared with intact membranes. Biophys J 2023; 122:2256-2266. [PMID: 36641625 PMCID: PMC10257115 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Discoidal lipid-protein nanoparticles known as nanodiscs are widely used tools in structural and membrane biology. Amphipathic, synthetic copolymers have recently become an attractive alternative to membrane scaffold proteins for the formation of nanodiscs. Such copolymers can directly intercalate into, and form nanodiscs from, intact membranes without detergents. Although these copolymer nanodiscs can extract native membrane lipids, it remains unclear whether native membrane properties are also retained. To determine the extent to which bilayer lipid packing is retained in nanodiscs, we measured the behavior of packing-sensitive fluorescent dyes in various nanodisc preparations compared with intact lipid bilayers. We analyzed styrene-maleic acid (SMA), diisobutylene-maleic acid (DIBMA), and polymethacrylate (PMA) as nanodisc scaffolds at various copolymer-to-lipid ratios and temperatures. Measurements of Laurdan spectral shifts revealed that dimyristoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) nanodiscs had increased lipid headgroup packing compared with large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) above the lipid melting temperature for all three copolymers. Similar effects were observed for DMPC nanodiscs stabilized by membrane scaffolding protein MSP1E1. Increased lipid headgroup packing was also observed when comparing nanodiscs with intact membranes composed of binary mixtures of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphocholine (POPC) and di-palmitoyl-phosphocholine (DPPC), which show fluid-gel-phase coexistence. Similarly, Laurdan reported increased headgroup packing in nanodiscs for biomimetic mixtures containing cholesterol, most notable for relatively disordered membranes. The magnitudes of these ordering effects were not identical for the various copolymers, with SMA being the most and DIBMA being the least perturbing. Finally, nanodiscs derived from mammalian cell membranes showed similarly increased lipid headgroup packing. We conclude that nanodiscs generally do not completely retain the physical properties of intact membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Real Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Ilya Levental
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
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2
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Majeed S, Ahmad AB, Sehar U, Georgieva ER. Lipid Membrane Mimetics in Functional and Structural Studies of Integral Membrane Proteins. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:685. [PMID: 34564502 PMCID: PMC8470526 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11090685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) fulfill important physiological functions by providing cell-environment, cell-cell and virus-host communication; nutrients intake; export of toxic compounds out of cells; and more. However, some IMPs have obliterated functions due to polypeptide mutations, modifications in membrane properties and/or other environmental factors-resulting in damaged binding to ligands and the adoption of non-physiological conformations that prevent the protein from returning to its physiological state. Thus, elucidating IMPs' mechanisms of function and malfunction at the molecular level is important for enhancing our understanding of cell and organism physiology. This understanding also helps pharmaceutical developments for restoring or inhibiting protein activity. To this end, in vitro studies provide invaluable information about IMPs' structure and the relation between structural dynamics and function. Typically, these studies are conducted on transferred from native membranes to membrane-mimicking nano-platforms (membrane mimetics) purified IMPs. Here, we review the most widely used membrane mimetics in structural and functional studies of IMPs. These membrane mimetics are detergents, liposomes, bicelles, nanodiscs/Lipodisqs, amphipols, and lipidic cubic phases. We also discuss the protocols for IMPs reconstitution in membrane mimetics as well as the applicability of these membrane mimetic-IMP complexes in studies via a variety of biochemical, biophysical, and structural biology techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Majeed
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Akram Bani Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Ujala Sehar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Elka R Georgieva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
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3
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Abstract
The interactions between lipids and proteins are one of the most fundamental processes in living organisms, responsible for critical cellular events ranging from replication, cell division, signaling, and movement. Enabling the central coupling responsible for maintaining the functionality of the breadth of proteins, receptors, and enzymes that find their natural home in biological membranes, the fundamental mechanisms of recognition of protein for lipid, and vice versa, have been a focal point of biochemical and biophysical investigations for many decades. Complexes of lipids and proteins, such as the various lipoprotein factions, play central roles in the trafficking of important proteins, small molecules and metabolites and are often implicated in disease states. Recently an engineered lipoprotein particle, termed the nanodisc, a modified form of the human high density lipoprotein fraction, has served as a membrane mimetic for the investigation of membrane proteins and studies of lipid-protein interactions. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding this self-assembling lipid-protein complex and provide examples for its utility in the investigation of a large number of biological systems.
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4
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Hughes HJ, Demers SME, Zhang A, Hafner JH. The orientation of a membrane probe from structural analysis by enhanced Raman scattering. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1862:183109. [PMID: 31785235 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.183109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Small fluorescent molecules are widely used as probes of biomembranes. Different probes optically indicate membrane properties such as the lipid phase, thickness, viscosity, and electrical potential. The detailed molecular mechanisms behind probe signals are not well understood, in part due to the lack of tools to determine probe position and orientation in the membrane. Optical measurements on aligned biomembranes and lipid bilayers provide some degree of orientational information based on anisotropy in absorption, fluorescence, or nonlinear optical properties. These methods typically find the polar tilt angle between the membrane normal and the long axis of the molecule. Here we show that solution-phase surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of lipid membranes on gold nanorods can be used to determine molecular orientation of molecules within the membrane. The voltage sensitive dye 4-(2-(6-(dibutylamino)-2-naphthalenyl)ethenyl)-1-(3-sulfopropyl)-hydroxide, known as di-4-ANEPPS, is studied. Through the analysis of several peaks in the SERS spectrum, the polar angle from the membrane normal is found to be 66°, and the roll angle around the long axis of the molecule to be 305° from the original orientation. This structural analysis method could help elucidate the meaning of fluorescent membrane probe signals, and how they are affected by different lipid compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Hughes
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Steven M E Demers
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Aobo Zhang
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Jason H Hafner
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States of America.
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5
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Moon S, Kong B, Jung YH, Kim Y, Yu S, Park JB, Shin J, Kweon DH. Endotoxin-free purification of recombinant membrane scaffold protein expressed in Escherichia coli. Process Biochem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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6
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Mak PJ, Denisov IG. Spectroscopic studies of the cytochrome P450 reaction mechanisms. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2018; 1866:178-204. [PMID: 28668640 PMCID: PMC5709052 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2017.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are thiolate heme proteins that can, often under physiological conditions, catalyze many distinct oxidative transformations on a wide variety of molecules, including relatively simple alkanes or fatty acids, as well as more complex compounds such as steroids and exogenous pollutants. They perform such impressive chemistry utilizing a sophisticated catalytic cycle that involves a series of consecutive chemical transformations of heme prosthetic group. Each of these steps provides a unique spectral signature that reflects changes in oxidation or spin states, deformation of the porphyrin ring or alteration of dioxygen moieties. For a long time, the focus of cytochrome P450 research was to understand the underlying reaction mechanism of each enzymatic step, with the biggest challenge being identification and characterization of the powerful oxidizing intermediates. Spectroscopic methods, such as electronic absorption (UV-Vis), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR), Mössbauer, X-ray absorption (XAS), and resonance Raman (rR), have been useful tools in providing multifaceted and detailed mechanistic insights into the biophysics and biochemistry of these fascinating enzymes. The combination of spectroscopic techniques with novel approaches, such as cryoreduction and Nanodisc technology, allowed for generation, trapping and characterizing long sought transient intermediates, a task that has been difficult to achieve using other methods. Results obtained from the UV-Vis, rR and EPR spectroscopies are the main focus of this review, while the remaining spectroscopic techniques are briefly summarized. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cytochrome P450 biodiversity and biotechnology, edited by Erika Plettner, Gianfranco Gilardi, Luet Wong, Vlada Urlacher, Jared Goldstone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr J Mak
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States.
| | - Ilia G Denisov
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.
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Malhotra K, Modak A, Nangia S, Daman TH, Gunsel U, Robinson VL, Mokranjac D, May ER, Alder NN. Cardiolipin mediates membrane and channel interactions of the mitochondrial TIM23 protein import complex receptor Tim50. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1700532. [PMID: 28879236 PMCID: PMC5580885 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1700532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The phospholipid cardiolipin mediates the functional interactions of proteins that reside within energy-conserving biological membranes. However, the molecular basis by which this lipid performs this essential cellular role is not well understood. We address this role of cardiolipin using the multisubunit mitochondrial TIM23 protein transport complex as a model system. The early stages of protein import by this complex require specific interactions between the polypeptide substrate receptor, Tim50, and the membrane-bound channel-forming subunit, Tim23. Using analyses performed in vivo, in isolated mitochondria, and in reductionist nanoscale model membrane systems, we show that the soluble receptor domain of Tim50 interacts with membranes and with specific sites on the Tim23 channel in a manner that is directly modulated by cardiolipin. To obtain structural insights into the nature of these interactions, we obtained the first small-angle x-ray scattering-based structure of the soluble Tim50 receptor in its entirety. Using these structural insights, molecular dynamics simulations combined with a range of biophysical measurements confirmed the role of cardiolipin in driving the association of the Tim50 receptor with lipid bilayers with concomitant structural changes, highlighting the role of key structural elements in mediating this interaction. Together, these results show that cardiolipin is required to mediate specific receptor-channel associations in the TIM23 complex. Our results support a new working model for the dynamic structural changes that occur within the complex during transport. More broadly, this work strongly advances our understanding of how cardiolipin mediates interactions among membrane-associated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketan Malhotra
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269–3125, USA
| | - Arnab Modak
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269–3125, USA
| | - Shivangi Nangia
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269–3125, USA
| | - Tyler H. Daman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269–3125, USA
| | - Umut Gunsel
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Biomedical Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Victoria L. Robinson
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269–3125, USA
| | - Dejana Mokranjac
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Biomedical Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Eric R. May
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269–3125, USA
| | - Nathan N. Alder
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269–3125, USA
- Corresponding author.
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8
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Rouck J, Krapf J, Roy J, Huff H, Das A. Recent advances in nanodisc technology for membrane protein studies (2012-2017). FEBS Lett 2017; 591:2057-2088. [PMID: 28581067 PMCID: PMC5751705 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Historically, the main barrier to membrane protein investigations has been the tendency of membrane proteins to aggregate (due to their hydrophobic nature), in aqueous solution as well as on surfaces. The introduction of biomembrane mimetics has since stimulated momentum in the field. One such mimetic, the nanodisc (ND) system, has proved to be an exceptional system for solubilizing membrane proteins. Herein, we critically evaluate the advantages and imperfections of employing nanodiscs in biophysical and biochemical studies. Specifically, we examine the techniques that have been modified to study membrane proteins in nanodiscs. Techniques discussed here include fluorescence microscopy, solution-state/solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and several mass spectroscopy methods. Newer techniques such as SPR, charge-sensitive optical detection, and scintillation proximity assays are also reviewed. Lastly, we cover how nanodiscs are advancing nanotechnology through nanoplasmonic biosensing, lipoprotein-nanoplatelets, and sortase-mediated labeling of nanodiscs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Rouck
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana IL 61802, USA
| | - John Krapf
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana IL 61802, USA
| | - Jahnabi Roy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana IL 61802, USA
| | - Hannah Huff
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana IL 61802, USA
| | - Aditi Das
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana IL 61802, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana IL 61802, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Neuroscience Program and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana IL 61802, USA
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9
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Scharadin TM, He W, Yiannakou Y, Tomilov AA, Saldana M, Cortopassi GA, Carraway KL, Coleman MA, Henderson PT. Synthesis and biochemical characterization of EGF receptor in a water-soluble membrane model system. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177761. [PMID: 28586369 PMCID: PMC5460842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
ErbB (Erythroblastic Leukemia Viral Oncogene Homolog) receptor tyrosine kinases are critical for tissue development and maintenance, and frequently become oncogenic when mutated or overexpressed. In vitro analysis of ErbB receptor kinases can be difficult because of their large size and poor water solubility. Here we report improved production and assembly of the correctly folded full-length EGF receptor (EGFR) into nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs). NLPs are ~10 nm in diameter discoidal cell membrane mimics composed of apolipoproteins surrounding a lipid bilayer. NLPs containing EGFR were synthesized via incubation of baculovirus-produced recombinant EGFR with apolipoprotein and phosphoplipids under conditions that favor self-assembly. The resulting EGFR-NLPs were the correct size, formed dimers and multimers, had intrinsic autophosphorylation activity, and retained the ability to interact with EGFR-targeted ligands and inhibitors consistent with previously-published in vitro binding affinities. We anticipate rapid adoption of EGFR-NLPs for structural studies of full-length receptors and drug screening, as well as for the in vitro characterization of ErbB heterodimers and disease-relevant mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany M. Scharadin
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Wei He
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
| | - Yianni Yiannakou
- University of California Davis, Nutrition, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Alexey A. Tomilov
- University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Molecular Biosciences, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew Saldana
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Gino A. Cortopassi
- University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Molecular Biosciences, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Kermit L. Carraway
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew A. Coleman
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, United States of America
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: or (MAC); (PTH)
| | - Paul T. Henderson
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: or (MAC); (PTH)
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10
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Abstract
Membrane proteins play a most important part in metabolism, signaling, cell motility, transport, development, and many other biochemical and biophysical processes which constitute fundamentals of life on the molecular level. Detailed understanding of these processes is necessary for the progress of life sciences and biomedical applications. Nanodiscs provide a new and powerful tool for a broad spectrum of biochemical and biophysical studies of membrane proteins and are commonly acknowledged as an optimal membrane mimetic system that provides control over size, composition, and specific functional modifications on the nanometer scale. In this review we attempted to combine a comprehensive list of various applications of nanodisc technology with systematic analysis of the most attractive features of this system and advantages provided by nanodiscs for structural and mechanistic studies of membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia G Denisov
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Stephen G Sligar
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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11
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Malhotra K, Alder NN. Reconstitution of Mitochondrial Membrane Proteins into Nanodiscs by Cell-Free Expression. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1567:155-178. [PMID: 28276018 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6824-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The isolation and characterization of mitochondrial membrane proteins is technically challenging because they natively reside within the specialized environment of the lipid bilayer, an environment that must be recapitulated to some degree during reconstitution to ensure proper folding, stability, and function. Here we describe protocols for the assembly of a membrane protein into lipid bilayer nanodiscs in a series of cell-free reactions. Cell-free expression of membrane proteins circumvents problems attendant with in vivo expression such as cytotoxicity, low expression levels, and the formation of inclusion bodies. Nanodiscs are artificial membrane systems comprised of discoidal lipid bilayer particles bound by annuli of amphipathic scaffold protein that shield lipid acyl chains from water. They are therefore excellent platforms for membrane protein reconstitution and downstream solution-based biochemical and biophysical analysis. This chapter details the procedures for the reconstitution of a mitochondrial membrane protein into nanodiscs using two different types of approaches: cotranslational and posttranslational assembly. These strategies are broadly applicable for different mitochondrial membrane proteins. They are also applicable for the use of nanodiscs with distinct lipid compositions that are biomimetic for different mitochondrial membranes and that recapitulate lipid profiles associated with pathological disorders in lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketan Malhotra
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, Sterling Hall of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Nathan N Alder
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
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Lalefar NR, Witkowski A, Simonsen JB, Ryan RO. Wnt3a nanodisks promote ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. J Nanobiotechnology 2016; 14:66. [PMID: 27553039 PMCID: PMC4995738 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-016-0218-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wnt proteins modulate development, stem cell fate and cancer through interactions with cell surface receptors. Wnts are cysteine-rich, glycosylated, lipid modified, two domain proteins that are prone to aggregation. The culprit responsible for this behavior is a covalently bound palmitoleoyl moiety in the N-terminal domain. RESULTS By combining murine Wnt3a with phospholipid and apolipoprotein A-I, ternary complexes termed nanodisks (ND) were generated. ND-associated Wnt3a is soluble in the absence of detergent micelles and gel filtration chromatography revealed that Wnt3a co-elutes with ND. In signaling assays, Wnt3a ND induced β-catenin stabilization in mouse fibroblasts as well as hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). Prolonged exposure of HSPC to Wnt3a ND stimulated proliferation and expansion of Lin(-) Sca-1(+) c-Kit(+) cells. Surprisingly, ND lacking Wnt3a contributed to Lin(-) Sca-1(+) c-Kit(+) cell expansion, an effect that was not mediated through β-catenin. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate Wnt3a ND constitute a water-soluble transport vehicle capable of promoting ex vivo expansion of HSPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahal R Lalefar
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA, 94609, USA.,Department of Hematology/Oncology, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, 747 52nd Street, Oakland, CA, 94609, USA
| | - Andrzej Witkowski
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA, 94609, USA
| | - Jens B Simonsen
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA, 94609, USA.,Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, DTU Nanotech, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Robert O Ryan
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA, 94609, USA.
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13
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Artificial membranes for membrane protein purification, functionality and structure studies. Biochem Soc Trans 2016; 44:877-82. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20160054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Membrane proteins represent one of the most important targets for pharmaceutical companies. Unfortunately, technical limitations have long been a major hindrance in our understanding of the function and structure of such proteins. Recent years have seen the refinement of classical approaches and the emergence of new technologies that have resulted in a significant step forward in the field of membrane protein research. This review summarizes some of the current techniques used for studying membrane proteins, with overall advantages and drawbacks for each method.
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14
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Nanodiscs for structural and functional studies of membrane proteins. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2016; 23:481-6. [PMID: 27273631 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Membrane proteins have long presented a challenge to biochemical and functional studies. In the absence of a bilayer environment, individual proteins and critical macromolecular complexes may be insoluble and may display altered or absent activities. Nanodisc technology provides important advantages for the isolation, purification, structural resolution and functional characterization of membrane proteins. In addition, the ability to precisely control the nanodisc composition provides a nanoscale membrane surface for investigating molecular recognition events.
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