Direct determination of a membrane-peptide interface using the nuclear magnetic resonance cross-saturation method

Biophys J. 2005 Dec;89(6):4051-5. doi: 10.1529/biophysj.105.066910. Epub 2005 Sep 16.

Abstract

Membrane-peptide interactions are involved in many crucial biological and pharmacological activities. To clarify the interaction mode of membrane-peptide complexes, it is important to analyze both the dynamic properties and the contact residues of the membrane-bound peptide. In this study, we investigated the dynamic properties of a peptide bound to a lipid bilayer, using relaxation and amide-water exchange analyses, and directly determined the membrane-peptide interface, using the cross-saturation method. For the models of a lipid bilayer and a peptide, isotropic bicelles and mastoparan were used, respectively. The results indicate that mastoparan had a heterogeneous distribution of motion over various timescales and interacted with the lipid bilayer by using its hydrophobic side; the molecule was located within the lipid bilayer rather than on the surface, as thought previously. This study shows that the cross-saturation method is useful for determining the interface of not only protein-protein but also membrane-peptide complexes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Protein Binding
  • Surface Properties
  • Wasp Venoms / chemistry*
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Peptides
  • Wasp Venoms
  • Water
  • mastoparan