Glycophorin in lipid bilayers

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1974 Dec;71(12):4653-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.71.12.4653.

Abstract

Glycophorin, the major glycoprotein of human erythrocytes, has been isolated and reincorporated into lipid vesicles. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy shows the reincorporated glycophorin to occur as small particles in vesicle fracture faces while the etch faces are smooth. The glycoprotein has a tendency to cluster into groups of several particles. Evidence is presented that, although lipids in immediate contact with glycopherin are likely somewhat immobilized, the entire lipid-protein complex has a tendency to occupy fluid regions of the bilayer. Reincorporated glycophorin assumes its proposed conformation in the intact erythrocyte in so far as it penetrates the hydrophobic membrane interior while its N-terminal end with attached carbohydrate residues is exposed to the aqueous compartment and is available as a specific recognition site.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / analysis
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Erythrocytes / analysis
  • Freeze Etching
  • Glycoproteins* / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Lipids*
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Protein Conformation
  • Spin Labels

Substances

  • Glycoproteins
  • Lipids
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Spin Labels