Lateral diffusion of phospholipids in the lipid surface of human low-density lipoprotein measured with a pyrenyl phospholipid probe

Probing the Link between Pancratistatin and Mitochondrial Apoptosis through Changes in the Membrane Dynamics on the Nanoscale

Pancratistatin (PST) is a natural antiviral alkaloid that has demonstrated specificity toward cancerous cells and explicitly targets the mitochondria. PST initiates apoptosis while leaving healthy, noncancerous cells unscathed. However, the manner by which PST induces apoptosis remains elusive and impedes the advancement of PST as a natural anticancer therapeutic agent. Herein, we use neutron spin-echo (NSE) spectroscopy, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and supporting small angle scattering techniques to study PST's effect on membrane dynamics using biologically representative model membranes. Our data suggests that PST stiffens the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) by being preferentially associated with cardiolipin, which would lead to the relocation and release of cytochrome c. Second, PST has an ordering effect on the lipids and disrupts their distribution within the IMM, which would interfere with the maintenance and functionality of the active forms of proteins in the electron transport chain. These previously unreported findings implicate PST's effect on mitochondrial apoptosis.

Role of lipids in spheroidal high density lipoproteins

We study the structure and dynamics of spherical high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles through coarse-grained multi-microsecond molecular dynamics simulations. We simulate both a lipid droplet without the apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and the full HDL particle including two apoA-I molecules surrounding the lipid compartment. The present models are the first ones among computational studies where the size and lipid composition of HDL are realistic, corresponding to human serum HDL. We focus on the role of lipids in HDL structure and dynamics. Particular attention is paid to the assembly of lipids and the influence of lipid-protein interactions on HDL properties. We find that the properties of lipids depend significantly on their location in the particle (core, intermediate region, surface). Unlike the hydrophobic core, the intermediate and surface regions are characterized by prominent conformational lipid order. Yet, not only the conformations but also the dynamics of lipids are found to be distinctly different in the different regions of HDL, highlighting the importance of dynamics in considering the functionalization of HDL. The structure of the lipid droplet close to the HDL-water interface is altered by the presence of apoA-Is, with most prominent changes being observed for cholesterol and polar lipids. For cholesterol, slow trafficking between the surface layer and the regimes underneath is observed. The lipid-protein interactions are strongest for cholesterol, in particular its interaction with hydrophobic residues of apoA-I. Our results reveal that not only hydrophobicity but also conformational entropy of the molecules are the driving forces in the formation of HDL structure. The results provide the first detailed structural model for HDL and its dynamics with and without apoA-I, and indicate how the interplay and competition between entropy and detailed interactions may be used in nanoparticle and drug design through self-assembly.

Congruency between biophysical data from multiple platforms and molecular dynamics simulation of the double-super helix model of nascent high-density lipoprotein

The predicted structure and molecular trajectories from >80 ns molecular dynamics simulation of the solvated Double-Super Helix (DSH) model of nascent high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined and compared with experimental data on reconstituted nascent HDL obtained from multiple biophysical platforms, including small angle neutron scattering (SANS) with contrast variation, hydrogen-deuterium exchange tandem mass spectrometry (H/D-MS/MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), cross-linking tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR), and electron microscopy. In general, biophysical constraints experimentally derived from the multiple platforms agree with the same quantities evaluated using the simulation trajectory. Notably, key structural features postulated for the recent DSH model of nascent HDL are retained during the simulation, including (1) the superhelical conformation of the antiparallel apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) chains, (2) the lipid micellar-pseudolamellar organization, and (3) the solvent-exposed Solar Flare loops, proposed sites of interaction with LCAT (lecithin cholesteryl acyltransferase). Analysis of salt bridge persistence during simulation provides insights into structural features of apoA1 that forms the backbone of the lipoprotein. The combination of molecular dynamics simulation and experimental data from a broad range of biophysical platforms serves as a powerful approach to studying large macromolecular assemblies such as lipoproteins. This application to nascent HDL validates the DSH model proposed earlier and suggests new structural details of nascent HDL.

Pyrene-labeled lipids as tools in membrane biophysics and cell biology

Pyrene is one of the most frequently used lipid-linked fluorophores. Its most characteristic features are a long excited state lifetime and (local) concentration-dependent formation of excimers. Pyrene is also hydrophobic and thus does not significantly distort the conformation of the labeled lipid molecule. These characteristics make pyrene lipids well-suited for studies on a variety of biophysical phenomena like lateral diffusion, inter- or transbilayer movement of lipids and lateral organization of membranes. Pyrene lipids have also been widely employed to determine protein binding to membranes, lipid conformation and the activity of lipolytic enzymes. In cell biology, pyrene lipids are promising tools for studies on lipid trafficking and metabolism, as well as for microscopic mapping of membrane properties. The main disadvantage of pyrene lipids is the relatively large size of the fluorophore. Another disadvantage is that they require UV-excitation, which is not feasible with all microscopes.

Membrane binding mechanism of an RNA virus-capping enzyme

The RNA replication complex of Semliki Forest virus is bound to cytoplasmic membranes via the mRNA-capping enzyme Nsp1. Here we have studied the structure and liposome interactions of a synthetic peptide (245)GSTLYTESRKLLRSWHLPSV(264) corresponding to the membrane binding domain of Nsp1. The peptide interacted with liposomes only if negatively charged lipids were present that induced a structural change in the peptide from a random coil to a partially alpha-helical conformation. NMR structure shows that the alpha-helix is amphipathic, the hydrophobic surface consisting of several leucines, a valine, and a tryptophan moiety (Trp-259). Fluorescence studies revealed that this tryptophan intercalates in the bilayer to the depth of the ninth and tenth carbons of lipid acyl chains. Mutation W259A altered the mode of bilayer association of the peptide and abolished its ability to compete for membrane association of intact Nsp1, demonstrating its crucial role in the membrane association and function of Nsp1.

Oxidation of unsaturated phospholipids in membrane bilayer mixtures is accompanied by membrane fluidity changes

Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy has been used to obtain information on oxidation processes and associated dynamical and structural changes in model membrane bilayers made from single unilamellar vesicles (SUV's) of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) mixed with increasing amounts of 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (SAPC). The highly unsaturated arachidonoyl chain containing four double bonds is prone to oxidation. Lipid oxidation was initiated chemically by a proper oxidant and could be followed on line via the fluorescence changes of an incorporated fluorescent lipophilic fatty acid: 4,4-difluoro-5-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-undecanoic acid (BP-C11). The oxidation rate increases with an increasing amount of SAPC. Size measurements of different SUV's incorporated with a trace amount of a phosphatidylcholine analogue of BP-C11 using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy have demonstrated that an increase of lipid unsaturation results in smaller sized SUV's and therefore to a larger curvature of the outer bilayer leaflet. This suggests that the lipid-lipid spacing has increased and that the unsaturated fatty acyl chains are better accessible for the oxidant. Oxidation results in some characteristic physical changes in membrane dynamics and structure, as indicated by the use of specific fluorescence probes. Fluorescence measurements of both dipyrenyl- and diphenylhexatriene-labelled PC introduced in non-oxidised and oxidised DOPC-SAPC membranes clearly show that the microfluidity (local fluidity at the very site of the probes) significantly decreases when the oxidised SAPC content increases in the lipid mixture. A similar effect is observed from the lateral diffusion experiments using monopyrenyl PC in the same membrane systems: the lateral diffusion is distinctly slower in oxidised membranes.

Surface properties of native human plasma lipoproteins and lipoprotein models

Plasma lipoprotein surface properties are important but poorly understood determinants of lipoprotein catabolism. To elucidate the relation between surface properties and surface reactivity, the physical properties of surface monolayers of native lipoproteins and lipoprotein models were investigated by fluorescent probes of surface lipid fluidity, surface lateral diffusion, and interfacial polarity, and by their reactivity to Naja melanoleuca phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Native lipoproteins were human very low, low-, and subclass 3 high-density lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, and HDL3); models were 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) or its ether analog in single-bilayer vesicles, large and small microemulsions of POPC and triolein, and reassembled HDL (apolipoprotein A-I plus phospholipid). Among lipoproteins, surface lipid fluidity increased in the order HDL3 < LDL < VLDL, varying inversely with their (protein + cholesterol)/phospholipid ratios. Models resembled VLDL in fluidity. Both lateral mobility in the surface monolayer and polarity of the interfacial region were lower in native lipoproteins than in models. Among native lipoproteins and models, increased fluidity in the surface monolayer was associated with increased reactivity to PLA2. Addition of cholesterol (up to 20 mol%) to models had little effect on PLA2 activity, whereas the addition of apolipoprotein C-III stimulated it. Single-bilayer vesicles, phospholipid-triolein microemulsions, and VLDL have surface monolayers that are quantitatively similar, and distinct from those of LDL and HDL3. Surface property and enzymatic reactivity differences between lipoproteins and models were associated with differences in surface monolayer protein and cholesterol contents. Thus differences in the surface properties that regulate lipolytic reactivity are a predictable function of surface composition.

Reorientational properties of fluorescent analogues of the protein kinase C cofactors diacylglycerol and phorbol ester

The reorientational properties of the fluorescently labelled protein kinase C (PKC) cofactors diacylglycerol (DG) and phorbol ester (PMA) in vesicles and mixed micelles have been investigated using time-resolved polarised fluorescence. The sn-2 acyl chain of DG was replaced by diphenylhexatriene- (DPH) propionic acid, while a dansyl labelled analogue of phorbol ester was used. The extent of ordering of DPH-DG in vesicles turned out to be slightly different from that of the control choline lipid DPH-PC. Addition of PKC to vesicles containing 30 mole% brain PS considerably slowed down the DPH-DG anisotropy decay. This was not observed when DPH-DG was replaced by DPH-PC. Analysis of the fluorescence anisotropy decays of these DPH-lipids in micelles polyoxyethylene-9-laurylether mixed with 10 mole% of the essential phosphatidylserine allowed estimation of their lateral diffusion, orientation distribution and reorientational dynamics within the micelles. Addition of PKC resulted in a significantly slower decay of the fluorescence anisotropy of both DPH-DG and DPH-PC even in the absence of calcium, indicating a calcium independent complexation of PKC with the PS containing micelles. Addition of calcium resulted in a further reduction of the decay of anisotropy of DPH-DG but not of DPH-PC indicating that the Ca2+ dependent immobilisation is cofactor-specific. Similar specific interactions with PKC resulted in a slower decay of dansylated PMA when calcium and PS were present.

Structure and orientation of apo B-100 peptides into a lipid bilayer

Peptides corresponding to lipid binding domains of Apo B-100 were synthesized, purified, and incubated with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) liposomes. The secondary structure of the apo B-100 peptide-lipid complexes was evaluated by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Those peptides belonging to the hydrophobic "core" domain of apo B-100 when associated with phospholipids were rich in beta sheet structure; a predominant alpha helical conformation was shown to be associated with one peptide located in a surface region of apo B-100. IR dichroic spectra revealed, in the case of the "core" peptides, that the beta sheet component is the only oriented structure with respect to the phospholipid acyl chains. This orientation of the beta sheet was recently found in LDL particles after proteolytic digestion by trypsin (Goormaghtigh, E., Cabiaux, V., De Meutter, J., Rosseneu, M., and Ruysschaert, J. M., 1993, Biochemistry 32, 6104-6110). Altogether, the data suggest that beta sheet, present in a high proportion in the native apo B-100, is probably another protein structure in addition to the amphipathic helix which strongly interacts with the lipid outer layer surrounding the LDL particle.

Secondary structure of the particle associating domain of apolipoprotein B-100 in low-density lipoprotein by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy

The secondary structure of the human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apo B-100 fragment embedded in the lipid domain of the particle has been investigated by Fourier transform attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). The solvent-exposed region of the protein was hydrolyzed by using different proteases (alpha-chymotrypsin, trypsin, proteinase K) for incubation times varying between 24 min and 48 h. Analysis of the FTIR-ATR spectra after repurification of the digested LDL particle indicates the same trend for all the hydrolysis conditions tested: the peptides remaining associated with the particle are rich in beta-sheet structure. Dichroism spectra reveal that at least part of the beta-sheets is associated with the phospholipid component of the particle.