Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Dallo, Jeehae Shin, Shanwen Zhang, Qian Ren, Huan Bao
Summary: Signal transduction at the synapse relies on protein-lipid interactions for the regulation of synaptic vesicle biogenesis, neurotransmitter release, and postsynaptic receptor activation. Recent advances in nanodiscs have greatly enhanced our ability to study and manipulate these interactions, offering new opportunities for understanding synaptic transmission.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lauren E. Ball, Liam J. Riley, Waled Hadasha, Rueben Pfukwa, Corinne J. Smith, Timothy R. Dafforn, Bert Klumperman
Summary: Polymer-based lipid nanoparticles, such as DIBMA, have shown significant advancements in the study of membrane proteins. Research indicates that DIBMA exhibits excellent performance in lipid nanodisc formation and membrane protein extraction, with better solubilization efficiency and cleaner separation compared to SMA and commercially available DIBMA.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephen G. Sligar, Ilia G. Denisov
Summary: Membrane proteins play crucial roles in biological processes, but are often challenging to study. The NanoDisc platform offers a self-assembled system that solubilizes membrane proteins in water while maintaining their functional activity. NanoDiscs have utility in studying cellular signaling complexes and delivering drugs, showcasing their versatility in biochemistry and pharmacology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shweta Shree, Mark A. McLean, Andrew G. Stephen, Stephen G. Sligar
Summary: KRas4b is a membrane-bound regulatory protein involved in signal transduction and cell growth, and its conformation is influenced by anionic lipids.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dongdong Li, Wendan Chu, Xinlei Sheng, Wenqi Li
Summary: This study used analytical ultracentrifugation to investigate the effects of different detergents on the behavior of membrane protein TmrA. Results suggest that DDM is more suitable for the purification of TmrA, a high DDM concentration yields a more homogeneous protein aggregation state, and supplementing TmrA purified with a low DDM concentration with DDM may serve as a practical and cost-effective strategy for membrane protein purification.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicolai Tidemand Johansen, Frederik Gronbaek Tidemand, Martin Cramer Pedersen, Lise Arleth
Summary: We have witnessed significant progress in the design, optimization, and utilization of carrier particle systems for studying membrane proteins in near-native environments over the past decade. New and improved systems continue to emerge, pushing the boundaries of existing carrier systems, while specific carrier systems establish themselves as the preferred choice for certain types of target membrane proteins. This review covers the most commonly used carrier systems, highlighting their similarities and differences, as well as current trends and future directions in the field. Special attention is given to the biophysical properties and membrane mimicking ability of each system, and how they may impact the study of embedded membrane proteins and their structure or function.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amy Henrickson, Jayesh A. Kulkarni, Josh Zaifman, Gary E. Gorbet, Pieter R. Cullis, Borries Demeler
Summary: This study presents a method for analyzing lipid nanoparticle mixtures using multi-wavelength sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation with heavy water density matching. The method can measure sedimentation and diffusion coefficient distributions, partial specific volume distributions, and optically separate signal contributions from nucleic acid cargo and lipid shell. This allows for accurate prediction of molar mass and anisotropy distributions for heterogeneous systems with low to intermediate densities.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Rong Guo, Jacob Sumner, Shuo Qian
Summary: The use of maleic acid copolymers, particularly diisobutylene maleic acid (DIBMA), has shown promise in purifying membrane proteins and studying them in conjunction with native lipids. By utilizing small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering, the organization and assembly process of DIBMA and its lipid particles have been explored, offering insights for membrane extraction. The DIBMA lipid particle has been identified as a suitable membrane-mimetic system for neutron scattering studies, providing a natural contrast for separating neutron scattering signals.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Orion Shih, Yi-Qi Yeh, Kuei-Fen Liao, Kun-Mou Li, Jia-Yin Tsai, Chieh-Chin Li, Yun-Wei Chiang, Richard K. Heenan, Yuh-Ju Sun, U-Ser Jeng
Summary: This study reveals the conformations and compositions of a proton-translocating pyrophosphatase Vigna radiata H+-PPase (VrPPase) in either detergent molecules or lipid nanodisc using SEC-SAXS, providing a deeper understanding of membrane-protein complexes.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Madhumalar Subramanian, Charlotte Kielar, Satoru Tsushima, Karim Fahmy, Jana Oertel
Summary: The use of engineered cysteines on membrane-scaffolding protein MSP1D1 allows the formation of multimers of nanodiscs, which is crucial for membrane protein research. Minimal interference with nanodisc formation and structure was demonstrated by various analytical techniques. Transmission electron microscopy showed the growth of submicron-sized tracts of stacked nanodiscs through oligonucleotide attachment to engineered cysteines.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elisa Aranda, Jose A. Teruel, Antonio Ortiz, Maria Dolores Perez-Carceles, Jose N. Rodriguez-Lopez, Francisco J. Aranda
Summary: The anticarcinogenic properties of catechins, their interaction with lipids, and their potential site of action in membranes were studied. Experimental and computational research showed that catechins can modify lipid polymorphism and membrane structure and dynamics. These findings provide insights into the molecular effects of catechins and their potential impact on membrane function.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justin Amengual, Luke Notaro-Roberts, Mu -Ping Nieh
Summary: Bicellar systems have gained popularity in the fields of biochemistry, physical chemistry, and drug delivery technology due to their diverse morphology. They have been used as model membranes for studying transmembrane protein behavior and interactions with the cell. Additionally, they have shown potential as theranostic nanocarriers in biopharmaceutical and diagnostic research.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irfan Prabudiansyah, Ramon van der Valk, Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam
Summary: FtsH is a membrane-bound protease that plays a crucial role in regulating cellular functions, and can maintain its activity when reconstituted into lipid nanodiscs. Research has shown that the lipid bilayer composition affects the proteolytic activity of FtsH.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fabian C. Herbert, Sameera S. Abeyrathna, Nisansala S. Abeyrathna, Yalini H. Wijesundara, Olivia R. Brohlin, Francesco Carraro, Heinz Amenitsch, Paolo Falcaro, Michael A. Luzuriaga, Alejandra Durand-Silva, Shashini D. Diwakara, Ronald A. Smaldone, Gabriele Meloni, Jeremiah J. Gassensmith
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful generation and immobilization of metastable lipid, protein-detergent, and protein-lipid supramolecular complexes within a zeolitic-imidazole framework (ZIF) to enhance stability against various stressors. The immobilized complexes exhibit resistance to elevated temperatures, chemical denaturants, aging, and mechanical stresses, maintaining their native morphology, structure, and activity. Immobilizing lipid nanoparticles and lipid-protein assemblies remains challenging due to lipid dynamics and protein instability, but this work shows promise for long-term storage at room temperature.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maksim A. Kalutsky, Timur R. Galimzyanov, Rodion J. Molotkovsky
Summary: This study investigates the fusion mechanism of monolayer and bilayer membranes during the interaction between lipid droplets and peroxisomes. Through energy trajectory and molecular dynamics simulation, it is found that the stalk formed during the fusion process is energetically more stable and has a lower energy barrier compared to bilayer fusion. The further evolution of the stalk is dependent on the spontaneous curvature of the membrane, possibly related to the incorporation of free fatty acids.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
K. Ramki, G. Thiruppathi, Selva Kumar Ramasamy, P. Sundararaj, P. Sakthivel
Summary: A chromone-based ratiometric fluorescent probe L2 was developed for the selective detection of Hg(II) in a semiaqueous solution. The probe exhibited enhanced fluorescence in its aggregated state and even higher fluorescence when chelated with Hg(II). The probe demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for Hg(II) detection and was successfully applied for imaging Hg(II) in a living model.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Qun Zhang, Rui Yang, Gang Liu, Shiyan Jiang, Jiarui Wang, Juqiang Lin, Tingyin Wang, Jing Wang, Zufang Huang
Summary: This research aims to develop a cost-effective and portable method for measuring creatinine levels using the enhanced Tyndall effect phenomenon. The method offers a promising solution for monitoring renal healthcare in resource-limited settings.