Use of amphipathic polymers to deliver a membrane protein to lipid bilayers

FEBS Lett. 2001 Jul 20;501(2-3):115-20. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)02627-8.

Abstract

Data are presented which suggest that a class of amphiphilic polymers known as 'amphipols' may serve as a vehicle for delivering complex integral membrane proteins into membranes. The integral membrane protein diacylglycerol kinase (DAGK) was maintained in soluble form by either of two different amphipols. Small aliquots of these solutions were added to pre-formed lipid vesicles and the appearance of DAGK catalytic activity was monitored as an indicator of the progress of productive protein insertion into the bilayers. For one of the two amphipols tested, DAGK was observed to productively transfer from its amphipol complex into vesicles with moderate efficiency. Results were not completely clear for the other amphipol.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Diacylglycerol Kinase / chemistry*
  • Diacylglycerol Kinase / isolation & purification
  • Escherichia coli / enzymology*
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Micelles
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Protein Folding
  • Solubility
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Micelles
  • Polymers
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Diacylglycerol Kinase