1
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Drabik D, Hinc P, Stephan M, Cavalcanti RRM, Czogalla A, Dimova R. Effect of leaflet asymmetry on the stretching elasticity of lipid bilayers with phosphatidic acid. Biophys J 2024; 123:2406-2421. [PMID: 38822521 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The asymmetry of membranes has a significant impact on their biophysical characteristics and behavior. This study investigates the composition and mechanical properties of symmetric and asymmetric membranes in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) made of palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC) and palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidic acid (POPA). A combination of fluorescence quantification, zeta potential measurements, micropipette aspiration, and bilayer molecular dynamics simulations are used to characterize these membranes. The outer leaflet composition in vesicles is found consistent across the two preparation methods we employed, namely electroformation and inverted emulsion transfer. However, characterizing the inner leaflet poses challenges. Micropipette aspiration of GUVs show that oil residues do not substantially alter membrane elasticity, but simulations reveal increased membrane thickness and decreased interleaflet coupling in the presence of oil. Asymmetric membranes with a POPC:POPA mixture in the outer leaflet and POPC in the inner leaflet display similar stretching elasticity values to symmetric POPC:POPA membranes, suggesting potential POPA insertion into the inner leaflet during vesicle formation and suppressed asymmetry. The inverse compositional asymmetry, with POPC in the outer leaflet and POPC:POPA in the inner one yield less stretchable membranes with higher compressibility modulus compared with their symmetric counterparts. Challenges in achieving and predicting compositional correspondence highlight the limitations of phase-transfer-based methods. In addition, caution is advised when using fluorescently labeled lipids (even at low fractions of 0.5 mol %), as unexpected gel-like domains in symmetric POPC:POPA membranes were observed only with a specific type of labeled DOPE (dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine) and the same fraction of unlabeled DOPE. The latter suggest that such domain formation may result from interactions between lipids and membrane fluorescent probes. Overall, this study underscores the complexity of factors influencing GUV membrane asymmetry, emphasizing the need for further research and improvement of characterization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Drabik
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland; Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Piotr Hinc
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mareike Stephan
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Aleksander Czogalla
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany.
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2
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Tran LH, Lowe LA, Deckel Y, Turner M, Luong J, Khamis OAA, Amos ML, Wang A. Measuring Vesicle Loading with Holographic Microscopy and Bulk Light Scattering. ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU 2024; 4:400-407. [PMID: 39069977 PMCID: PMC11274288 DOI: 10.1021/acsphyschemau.4c00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
We report efforts to quantify the loading of cell-sized lipid vesicles using in-line digital holographic microscopy. This method does not require fluorescent reporters, fluorescent tracers, or radioactive tracers. A single-color LED light source takes the place of conventional illumination to generate holograms rather than bright field images. By modeling the vesicle's scattering in a microscope with a Lorenz-Mie light scattering model and comparing the results to data holograms, we are able to measure the vesicle's refractive index and thus loading. Performing the same comparison for bulk light scattering measurements enables the retrieval of vesicle loading for nanoscale vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren A. Lowe
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- Australian
Centre for Astrobiology, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Yaam Deckel
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- Australian
Centre for Astrobiology, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Turner
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- School
of Physics, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, NSW, Australia
| | - James Luong
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Megan L. Amos
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- Australian
Centre for Astrobiology, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna Wang
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- Australian
Centre for Astrobiology, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- ARC
Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- RNA Institute, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
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3
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Kennison-Cook KB, Heberle FA. Disruption of liquid/liquid phase separation in asymmetric GUVs prepared by hemifusion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.21.600037. [PMID: 38979299 PMCID: PMC11230200 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.21.600037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Model asymmetric bilayers are useful for studying the coupling between lateral and transverse lipid organization. Here, we used calcium-induced hemifusion to create asymmetric giant unilamellar vesicles (aGUVs) for exploring the phase behavior of 16:0-PC/16:1-PC/Cholesterol, a simplified model for the mammalian plasma membrane. Symmetric GUVs (sGUVs) were first prepared using a composition that produced coexisting liquid-disordered and liquid-ordered phases visible by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The sGUVs were then hemifused to a supported lipid bilayer (SLB) composed of uniformly mixed 16:1-PC/Cholesterol. The extent of outer leaflet exchange was quantified in aGUVs in two ways: (1) from the reduction in fluorescence intensity of a lipid probe initially in the sGUV ("probe exit"); or (2) from the gain in intensity of a probe initially in the SLB ("probe entry"). These measurements revealed a large variability in the extent of outer leaflet exchange in aGUVs within a given preparation, and two populations with respect to their phase behavior: a subset of vesicles that remained phase separated, and a second subset that appeared uniformly mixed. Moreover, a correlation between phase behavior and extent of asymmetry was observed, with more strongly asymmetric vesicles having a greater probability of being uniformly mixed. We also observed substantial overlap between these populations, an indication that the uncertainty in measured exchange fraction is high. We developed models to determine the position of the phase boundary (i.e., the fraction of outer leaflet exchange above which domain formation is suppressed) and found that the phase boundaries determined separately from probe-entry and probe-exit data are in good agreement. Our models also provide improved estimates of the compositional uncertainty of individual aGUVs. We discuss several potential sources of uncertainty in the determination of lipid exchange from fluorescence measurements.
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4
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Park S, Rice A, Im W, Pastor RW. Spontaneous curvature generation by peptides in asymmetric bilayers. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:512-522. [PMID: 37991280 PMCID: PMC10922693 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Peptides and proteins play crucial roles in membrane remodeling by inducing spontaneous curvature. However, extracting spontaneous curvatures from simulations of asymmetric bilayers is challenging because differential stress (i.e., the difference of the leaflet surface tensions) arising from leaflet area strains can vary substantially among initial conditions. This study investigates peptide-induced spontaneous curvatureδc 0 p in asymmetric bilayers consisting of a single lipid type and a peptide confined to one leaflet;δc 0 p is calculated from the Helfrich equation using the first moment of the lateral pressure tensor and an alternative expression using the differential stress. It is shown that differential stress introduced during initial system generation is effectively relaxed by equilibrating using P21 periodic boundary conditions, which allows lipids to switch leaflets across cell boundaries and equalize their chemical potentials across leaflets. This procedure leads to robust estimates ofδc 0 p for the systems simulated, and is recommended when equality of chemical potentials between the leaflets is a primary consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyung Park
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Amy Rice
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Wonpil Im
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Richard W. Pastor
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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5
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Bodosa J, Pane AJ, Klauda JB. Modeling asymmetric cell membranes at all-atom resolution. Methods Enzymol 2024; 701:157-174. [PMID: 39025571 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are a useful tool when studying the properties of membranes as they allow for a molecular view of lipid interactions with proteins, nucleic acids, or small molecules. While model membranes are usually symmetric in their lipid composition between leaflets and include a small number of lipid components, physiological membranes are highly complex and vary in the level of asymmetry. Simulation studies have shown that changes in leaflet asymmetry can alter the properties of a membrane. It is therefore necessary to carefully build asymmetric membranes to accurately simulate membranes. This chapter carefully describes the different methods for building asymmetric membranes and the advantages/disadvantages of each method. The simplest methods involve building a membrane with either an equal number of lipids per leaflet or an equal initial surface area (SA) estimated by the area per lipid. More detailed methods include combining two symmetric membranes of equal SA or altering an asymmetric membrane and adjusting the number of lipids after equilibration to minimize an observable such as differential stress (0-DS). More complex methods that require specific simulation software are also briefly described. The challenges and assumptions are listed for each method which should help guide the researcher to choose the best method for their unique MD simulation of an asymmetric membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bodosa
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Anthony J Pane
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Jeffery B Klauda
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College Park, MD, United States.
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6
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Dziura D, Dziura M, Marquardt D. Studying lipid flip-flop in asymmetric liposomes using 1H NMR and TR-SANS. Methods Enzymol 2024; 700:295-328. [PMID: 38971604 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
The specific spatial and temporal distribution of lipids in membranes play a crucial role in determining the biochemical and biophysical properties of the system. In nature, the asymmetric distribution of lipids is a dynamic process with ATP-dependent lipid transporters maintaining asymmetry, and passive transbilayer diffusion, that is, flip-flop, counteracting it. In this chapter, two probe-free techniques, 1H NMR and time-resolved small angle neutron scattering, are described in detail as methods of investigating lipid flip-flop rates in synthetic liposomes that have been generated with an asymmetric bilayer composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Dziura
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Maksymilian Dziura
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Drew Marquardt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada; Department of Physics, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada.
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7
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Pašalić L, Maleš P, Čikoš A, Pem B, Bakarić D. The rise of FTIR spectroscopy in the characterization of asymmetric lipid membranes. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 305:123488. [PMID: 37813090 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.123488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to symmetric unilamellar liposomes (sLUVs) prepared from a mixture of different lipids, asymmetric ones (aLUVs) with different lipid composition in the inner and outer membrane leaflets are more suitable model systems of eukaryotic plasma membranes. However, apart from the challenging preparation of asymmetric liposomes and small amounts of obtained asymmetric unilamellar liposomes (aLUVs), a major drawback is the qualitative characterization of asymmetry, as each of the techniques used so far has certain limitations. In this regard, we prepared aLUVs composed dominantly of DPPC(out)/DPPS(in) lipids and, along with 1H NMR and DSC characterization, we showed for the first time how FTIR spectroscopy can be used in the presence of (a)symmetry between DPPC/DPPS lipid bilayers. Using second derivative FTIR spectra we demonstrated not only that the hydration of lipids glycerol backbone and choline moiety of DPPC differs in s/aLUVs, but in addition that the lateral interactions between hydrocarbon chains during the phase change display different trend in s/aLUVs. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed different chain ordering and packing between s/a bilayers, with a significant influence of temperature, i.e. membrane phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Pašalić
- Division for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petra Maleš
- Division for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Čikoš
- The Centre for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Barbara Pem
- Division for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Danijela Bakarić
- Division for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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8
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Doktorova M, Levental I, Heberle FA. Seeing the Membrane from Both Sides Now: Lipid Asymmetry and Its Strange Consequences. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:a041393. [PMID: 37604588 PMCID: PMC10691478 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041393] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Almost all biomembranes are constructed as lipid bilayers and, in almost all of these, the two opposing monolayers (leaflets) have distinct lipid compositions. This lipid asymmetry arises through the concerted action of a suite of energy-dependent enzymes that maintain living bilayers in a far-from-equilibrium steady-state. Recent discoveries reveal that lipid compositional asymmetry imparts biophysical asymmetries and that this dualistic organization may have major consequences for cellular physiology. Importantly, while transbilayer asymmetry appears to be an essential, near-ubiquitous characteristic of biological membranes, it has been challenging to reproduce in reconstituted or synthetic systems. Although recent methodological developments have overcome some critical challenges, it remains difficult to extrapolate results from available models to biological systems. Concurrently, there are few experimental approaches for targeted, controlled manipulation of lipid asymmetry in living cells. Thus, the biophysical and functional consequences of membrane asymmetry remain almost wholly unexplored. This perspective summarizes the current state of knowledge and highlights emerging themes that are beginning to make inroads into the fundamental question of why life tends toward asymmetry in its bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milka Doktorova
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Ilya Levental
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Frederick A Heberle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
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9
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Schütz GJ, Pabst G. The asymmetric plasma membrane-A composite material combining different functionalities?: Balancing Barrier Function and Fluidity for Effective Signaling. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300116. [PMID: 37712937 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
One persistent puzzle in the life sciences is the asymmetric lipid composition of the cellular plasma membrane: while the exoplasmic leaflet is enriched in lipids carrying predominantly saturated fatty acids, the cytoplasmic leaflet hosts preferentially lipids with (poly-)unsaturated fatty acids. Given the high energy requirements necessary for cells to maintain this asymmetry, the question naturally arises regarding its inherent benefits. In this paper, we propose asymmetry to represent a potential solution for harmonizing two conflicting requirements for the plasma membrane: first, the need to build a barrier for the uncontrolled influx or efflux of substances; and second, the need to form a fluid and dynamic two-dimensional substrate for signaling processes. We hence view here the plasma membrane as a composite material, where the exoplasmic leaflet is mainly responsible for the functional integrity of the barrier and the cytoplasmic leaflet for fluidity. We reinforce the validity of the proposed mechanism by presenting quantitative data from the literature, along with multiple examples that bolster our model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georg Pabst
- Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Bioscience (IMB), NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth-University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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10
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Enoki TA, Heberle FA. Experimentally determined leaflet-leaflet phase diagram of an asymmetric lipid bilayer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308723120. [PMID: 37939082 PMCID: PMC10655556 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308723120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We have determined the partial leaflet-leaflet phase diagram of an asymmetric lipid bilayer at ambient temperature using asymmetric giant unilamellar vesicles (aGUVs). Symmetric GUVs with varying amounts of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and DOPC (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) were hemifused to a supported lipid bilayer (SLB) composed of DOPC, resulting in lipid exchange between their outer leaflets. The GUVs and SLB contained a red and green lipid fluorophore, respectively, thus enabling the use of confocal fluorescence imaging to determine both the extent of lipid exchange (quantified for individual vesicles by the loss of red intensity and gain of green intensity) and the presence or absence of phase separation in aGUVs. Consistent with previous reports, we found that hemifusion results in large variation in outer leaflet exchange for individual GUVs, which allowed us to interrogate the phase behavior at multiple points within the asymmetric composition space of the binary mixture. When initially symmetric GUVs showed coexisting gel and fluid domains, aGUVs with less than ~50% outer leaflet exchange were also phase-separated. In contrast, aGUVs with greater than 50% outer leaflet exchange were uniform and fluid. In some cases, we also observed three coexisting bilayer-spanning phases: two registered phases and an anti-registered phase. These results suggest that a relatively large unfavorable midplane interaction between ordered and disordered phases in opposing leaflets (i.e., a midplane surface tension) can overwhelm the driving force for lateral phase separation within one of the leaflets, resulting in an asymmetric bilayer with two uniformly mixed leaflets that is poised to phase-separate upon leaflet scrambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais A. Enoki
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN37996
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
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11
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Shi Y, Ruan H, Xu Y, Zou C. Cholesterol, Eukaryotic Lipid Domains, and an Evolutionary Perspective of Transmembrane Signaling. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:a041418. [PMID: 37604587 PMCID: PMC10626259 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane signaling is essential for complex life forms. Communication across a bilayer lipid barrier is elaborately organized to convey precision and to fine-tune strength. Looking back, the steps that it has taken to enable this seemingly mundane errand are breathtaking, and with our survivorship bias, Darwinian. While this review is to discuss eukaryotic membranes in biological functions for coherence and theoretical footing, we are obliged to follow the evolution of the biological membrane through time. Such a visit is necessary for our hypothesis that constraints posited on cellular functions are mainly via the biomembrane, and relaxation thereof in favor of a coordinating membrane environment is the molecular basis for the development of highly specialized cellular activities, among them transmembrane signaling. We discuss the obligatory paths that have led to eukaryotic membrane formation, its intrinsic ability to signal, and how it set up the platform for later integration of protein-based receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Hefei Ruan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanni Xu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chunlin Zou
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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12
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Chaisson EH, Heberle FA, Doktorova M. Building Asymmetric Lipid Bilayers for Molecular Dynamics Simulations: What Methods Exist and How to Choose One? MEMBRANES 2023; 13:629. [PMID: 37504995 PMCID: PMC10384462 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13070629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The compositional asymmetry of biological membranes has attracted significant attention over the last decade. Harboring more differences from symmetric membranes than previously appreciated, asymmetric bilayers have proven quite challenging to study with familiar concepts and techniques, leaving many unanswered questions about the reach of the asymmetry effects. One particular area of active research is the computational investigation of composition- and number-asymmetric lipid bilayers with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Offering a high level of detail into the organization and properties of the simulated systems, MD has emerged as an indispensable tool in the study of membrane asymmetry. However, the realization that results depend heavily on the protocol used for constructing the asymmetric bilayer models has sparked an ongoing debate about how to choose the most appropriate approach. Here we discuss the underlying source of the discrepant results and review the existing methods for creating asymmetric bilayers for MD simulations. Considering the available data, we argue that each method is well suited for specific applications and hence there is no single best approach. Instead, the choice of a construction protocol-and consequently, its perceived accuracy-must be based primarily on the scientific question that the simulations are designed to address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily H. Chaisson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA
| | - Frederick A. Heberle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA
| | - Milka Doktorova
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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13
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Gardea-Gutiérrez D, Núñez-García E, Oseguera-Guerra BE, Román-Aguirre M, Montes-Fonseca SL. Asymmetric Lipid Vesicles: Techniques, Applications, and Future Perspectives as an Innovative Drug Delivery System. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:777. [PMID: 37375725 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel lipid-based nanosystems have been of interest in improving conventional drug release methods. Liposomes are the most studied nanostructures, consisting of lipid bilayers ideal for drug delivery, thanks to their resemblance to the cell plasma membrane. Asymmetric liposomes are vesicles with different lipids in their inner and outer layers; because of this, they can be configured to be compatible with the therapeutic drug while achieving biocompatibility and stability. Throughout this review, topics such as the applications, advantages, and synthesis techniques of asymmetric liposomes will be discussed. Further, an in silico analysis by computational tools will be examined as a helpful tool for designing and understanding asymmetric liposome mechanisms in pharmaceutical applications. The dual-engineered design of asymmetric liposomes makes them an ideal alternative for transdermal drug delivery because of the improved protection of pharmaceuticals without lowering adsorption rates and system biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisse Gardea-Gutiérrez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Av. H. Colegio Militar 4700, Nombre de Dios, Chihuahua 31300, Chih, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Núñez-García
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Av. H. Colegio Militar 4700, Nombre de Dios, Chihuahua 31300, Chih, Mexico
| | - Berenice E Oseguera-Guerra
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Av. H. Colegio Militar 4700, Nombre de Dios, Chihuahua 31300, Chih, Mexico
| | - Manuel Román-Aguirre
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados CIMAV, Av. Miguel de Cervantes 120, Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31136, Chih, Mexico
| | - Silvia L Montes-Fonseca
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Av. H. Colegio Militar 4700, Nombre de Dios, Chihuahua 31300, Chih, Mexico
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14
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Piller P, Semeraro EF, Rechberger GN, Keller S, Pabst G. Allosteric modulation of integral protein activity by differential stress in asymmetric membranes. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad126. [PMID: 37143864 PMCID: PMC10153742 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The activity of integral membrane proteins is tightly coupled to the properties of the surrounding lipid matrix. In particular, transbilayer asymmetry, a hallmark of all plasma membranes, might be exploited to control membrane-protein activity. Here, we hypothesized that the membrane-embedded enzyme outer membrane phospholipase A (OmpLA) is susceptible to the lateral pressure differences that build up between such asymmetric membrane leaflets. Upon reconstituting OmpLA into synthetic, chemically well-defined phospholipid bilayers exhibiting different lateral pressure profiles, we indeed observed a substantial decrease in the enzyme's hydrolytic activity with increasing membrane asymmetry. No such effects were observed in symmetric mixtures of the same lipids. To quantitatively rationalize how the differential stress in asymmetric lipid bilayers inhibits OmpLA, we developed a simple allosteric model within the lateral pressure framework. Thus, we find that membrane asymmetry can serve as the dominant factor in controlling membrane-protein activity, even in the absence of specific, chemical cues or other physical membrane determinants such as hydrophobic mismatch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Piller
- Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Bioscience (IMB), NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
- BioTechMed Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth—University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Enrico F Semeraro
- Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Bioscience (IMB), NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
- BioTechMed Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth—University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Gerald N Rechberger
- Field of Excellence BioHealth—University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
- Biochemistry, Institute of Molecular Bioscience (IMB), NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
- Omics Center Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Sandro Keller
- Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Bioscience (IMB), NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
- BioTechMed Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth—University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
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15
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Kinnun JJ, Scott HL, Bolmatov D, Collier CP, Charlton TR, Katsaras J. Biophysical studies of lipid nanodomains using different physical characterization techniques. Biophys J 2023; 122:931-949. [PMID: 36698312 PMCID: PMC10111277 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
For the past 50 years, evidence for the existence of functional lipid domains has been steadily accumulating. Although the notion of functional lipid domains, also known as "lipid rafts," is now widely accepted, this was not always the case. This ambiguity surrounding lipid domains could be partly attributed to the fact that they are highly dynamic, nanoscopic structures. Since most commonly used techniques are sensitive to microscale structural features, it is therefore, not surprising that it took some time to reach a consensus regarding their existence. In this review article, we will discuss studies that have used techniques that are inherently sensitive to nanoscopic structural features (i.e., neutron scatting, nuclear magnetic resonance, and Förster resonance energy transfer). We will also mention techniques that may be of use in the future (i.e., cryoelectron microscopy, droplet interface bilayers, inelastic x-ray scattering, and neutron reflectometry), which can further our understanding of the different and unique physicochemical properties of nanoscopic lipid domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Kinnun
- Large Scale Structures Group, Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Shull Wollan Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
| | - Haden L Scott
- Large Scale Structures Group, Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Shull Wollan Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - Dima Bolmatov
- Shull Wollan Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - C Patrick Collier
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - Timothy R Charlton
- Large Scale Structures Group, Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - John Katsaras
- Shull Wollan Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee; Labs and Soft Matter Group, Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
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16
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Krompers M, Heerklotz H. A Guide to Your Desired Lipid-Asymmetric Vesicles. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:267. [PMID: 36984654 PMCID: PMC10054703 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Liposomes are prevalent model systems for studies on biological membranes. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to models also representing the lipid asymmetry of biological membranes. Here, we review in-vitro methods that have been established to prepare free-floating vesicles containing different compositions of the classic two-chain glycero- or sphingolipids in their outer and inner leaflet. In total, 72 reports are listed and assigned to four general strategies that are (A) enzymatic conversion of outer leaflet lipids, (B) re-sorting of lipids between leaflets, (C) assembly from different monolayers and (D) exchange of outer leaflet lipids. To guide the reader through this broad field of available techniques, we attempt to draw a road map that leads to the lipid-asymmetric vesicles that suit a given purpose. Of each method, we discuss advantages and limitations. In addition, various verification strategies of asymmetry as well as the role of cholesterol are briefly discussed. The ability to specifically induce lipid asymmetry in model membranes offers insights into the biological functions of asymmetry and may also benefit the technical applications of liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Krompers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Heiko Heerklotz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
- Signalling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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17
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Al Badri YN, Chaw CS, Elkordy AA. Insights into Asymmetric Liposomes as a Potential Intervention for Drug Delivery Including Pulmonary Nanotherapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010294. [PMID: 36678922 PMCID: PMC9867527 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Liposome-based drug delivery systems are nanosized spherical lipid bilayer carriers that can encapsulate a broad range of small drug molecules (hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs) and large drug molecules (peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids). They have unique characteristics, such as a self-assembling bilayer vesicular structure. There are several FDA-approved liposomal-based medicines for treatment of cancer, bacterial, and viral infections. Most of the FDA-approved liposomal-based therapies are in the form of conventional "symmetric" liposomes and they are administered mainly by injection. Arikace® is the first and only FDA-approved liposomal-based inhalable therapy (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension) to treat only adults with difficult-to-treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as a combinational antibacterial treatment. To date, no "asymmetric liposomes" are yet to be approved, although asymmetric liposomes have many advantages due to the asymmetric distribution of lipids through the liposome's membrane (which is similar to the biological membranes). There are many challenges for the formulation and stability of asymmetric liposomes. This review will focus on asymmetric liposomes in contrast to conventional liposomes as a potential clinical intervention drug delivery system as well as the formulation techniques available for symmetric and asymmetric liposomes. The review aims to renew the research in liposomal nanovesicle delivery systems with particular emphasis on asymmetric liposomes as future potential carriers for enhancing drug delivery including pulmonary nanotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amal Ali Elkordy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)-1915152576; Fax: +44-(0)-1915153405
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18
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Stephan MS, Dunsing V, Pramanik S, Chiantia S, Barbirz S, Robinson T, Dimova R. Biomimetic asymmetric bacterial membranes incorporating lipopolysaccharides. Biophys J 2022:S0006-3495(22)03927-3. [PMID: 36523159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria are equipped with a cell wall that contains a complex matrix of lipids, proteins, and glycans, which form a rigid layer protecting bacteria from the environment. Major components of this outer membrane are the high-molecular weight and amphiphilic lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). They form the extracellular part of a heterobilayer with phospholipids. Understanding LPS properties within the outer membrane is therefore important to develop new antimicrobial strategies. Model systems, such as giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), provide a suitable platform for exploring membrane properties and interactions. However, LPS molecules contain large polysaccharide parts that confer high water solubility, which makes LPS incorporation in artificial membranes difficult; this hindrance is exacerbated for LPS with long polysaccharide chains, i.e., the smooth LPS. Here, a novel emulsification step of the inverted emulsion method is introduced to incorporate LPS in the outer or the inner leaflet of GUVs, exclusively. We developed an approach to determine the LPS content on individual GUVs and quantify membrane asymmetry. The asymmetric membranes with outer leaflet LPS show incorporations of 1-16 mol % smooth LPS (corresponding to 16-79 wt %), while vesicles with inner leaflet LPS reach coverages of 2-7 mol % smooth LPS (28-60 wt %). Diffusion coefficient measurements in the obtained GUVs showed that increasing LPS concentrations in the membranes resulted in decreased diffusivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentin Dunsing
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Center for Living Systems, Marseille, France; University of Potsdam, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Shreya Pramanik
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Salvatore Chiantia
- University of Potsdam, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stefanie Barbirz
- Department Humanmedizin, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tom Robinson
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany.
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19
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da Hora GCA, Nguyen JDM, Swanson JMJ. Can membrane composition traffic toxins? Mycolactone and preferential membrane interactions. Biophys J 2022; 121:4260-4270. [PMID: 36258678 PMCID: PMC9703097 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycolactone is a cytotoxic and immunosuppressive macrolide produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans and the sole causative agent of the neglected tropical skin disease Buruli ulcer. The toxin acts by invading host cells and interacting with intracellular targets to disrupt multiple fundamental cellular processes. Mycolactone's amphiphilic nature enables strong interactions with lipophilic environments, including cellular membranes; however, the specificity of these interactions and the role of membranes in the toxin's pathogenicity remain unknown. It is likely that preferential interactions with lipophilic carriers play a key role in the toxin's distribution in the host, which, if understood, could provide insights to aid in the development of needed diagnostics for Buruli ulcer disease. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations were combined with enhanced free-energy sampling to characterize mycolactone's association with and permeation through models of the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membranes (PMs). We find that increased order in the PMs not only leads to a different permeation mechanism compared with that in the ER membrane but also an energetic driving force for ER localization. Increased hydration, membrane deformation, and preferential interactions with unsaturated lipid tails stabilize the toxin in the ER membrane, while disruption of lipid packing is a destabilizing force in the PMs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D M Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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20
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Cino EA, Tieleman DP. Curvature-based sorting of eight lipid types in asymmetric buckled plasma membrane models. Biophys J 2022; 121:2060-2068. [PMID: 35524412 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Curvature is a fundamental property of biological membranes and has essential roles in cellular function. Bending of membranes can be induced by their lipid and protein compositions, as well as peripheral proteins, such as those that make up the cytoskeleton. An important aspect of membrane function is the grouping of lipid species into microdomains, or rafts, which serve as platforms for specific biochemical processes. The fluid mosaic model of membranes has evolved to recognize the importance of curvature and leaflet asymmetry, and there are efforts towards evaluating their functional roles. This work investigates the effect of curvature on the sorting of lipids in buckled asymmetric bilayers containing eight lipid types, approximating an average mammalian plasma membrane, through coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the Martini force field. The simulations reveal that i) leaflet compositional asymmetry can induce curvature asymmetry, ii) lipids are sorted by curvature to different extents, and iii) curvature-based partitioning trends show moderate to strong correlations with lipid molecular volumes and head to tail bead ratios, respectively. The findings provide unique insights into the role of curvature in membrane organization, and the curvature-based sorting trends should be useful references for later investigations, and potentially interpreting the functional roles of specific lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elio A Cino
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - D Peter Tieleman
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
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21
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Perez-Salas U, Garg S, Gerelli Y, Porcar L. Deciphering lipid transfer between and within membranes with time-resolved small-angle neutron scattering. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 88:359-412. [PMID: 34862031 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on time-resolved neutron scattering, particularly time-resolved small angle neutron scattering (TR-SANS), as a powerful in situ noninvasive technique to investigate intra- and intermembrane transport and distribution of lipids and sterols in lipid membranes. In contrast to using molecular analogues with potentially large chemical tags that can significantly alter transport properties, small angle neutron scattering relies on the relative amounts of the two most abundant isotope forms of hydrogen: protium and deuterium to detect complex membrane architectures and transport processes unambiguously. This review discusses advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that sustain lipid asymmetry in membranes-a key feature of the plasma membrane of cells-as well as the transport of lipids between membranes, which is an essential metabolic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Perez-Salas
- Physics Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - Sumit Garg
- Physics Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yuri Gerelli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Universita` Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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