Electrostatically driven spatial patterns in lipid membrane composition

Phys Rev Lett. 2005 Jul 22;95(4):048101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.048101. Epub 2005 Jul 22.

Abstract

To explore the physical mechanisms that can guide spatial organization at biological membranes, we have constructed simple, cell-free intermembrane junctions. We find that the mechanically driven patterning of proteins uncovered in our earlier work can electrostatically generate spatial patterns in the distribution of charged membrane lipids. Tuning the magnitude of the interaction as a function of composition and ionic strength, and analyzing the interplay between thermodynamics and electrostatics via a Poisson-Boltzmann approach, we are able to determine the charge density and surface potential of the junction components. Surprisingly, the electrostatic potential of the proteins is a minor factor in the lipid reorganization; the protein size and its modulation of the junction topography play the dominant role in driving the electrostatic patterns.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Membrane Lipids / chemistry*
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Poisson Distribution
  • Static Electricity

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Membrane Proteins