Lipid directed intrinsic membrane protein segregation

J Am Chem Soc. 2013 Nov 20;135(46):17294-7. doi: 10.1021/ja409708e. Epub 2013 Nov 11.

Abstract

We demonstrate a new approach for direct reconstitution of membrane proteins during giant vesicle formation. We show that it is straightforward to create a tissue-like giant vesicle film swelled with membrane protein using aquaporin SoPIP2;1 as an illustration. These vesicles can also be easily harvested for individual study. By controlling the lipid composition we are able to direct the aquaporin into specific immiscible liquid domains in giant vesicles. The oligomeric α-helical protein cosegregates with the cholesterol-poor domains in phase separating ternary mixtures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Lipids / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Lipids
  • Membrane Proteins