Curvature-Assisted Vesicle Explosion Under Light-Induced Asymmetric Oxidation.

ABSTRACT: Exposure of cell membranes to reactive oxygen species can cause oxidation of membrane lipids. Oxidized lipids undergo drastic conformational changes, compromising the mechanical integrity of the membrane and causing cell death. For giant unilamellar vesicles, a classic cell mimetic system, a range of mechanical responses under oxidative assault has been observed including formation of nanopores, transient micron-sized pores, and total sudden catastrophic collapse (i.e., explosion). However, the physical mechanism regarding how lipid oxidation causes vesicles to explode remains elusive. Here, with light-induced asymmetric oxidation experiments, the role of spontaneous curvature on vesicle instability and its link to the conformational changes of oxidized lipid products is systematically inv

SUBMITTER: Malik VK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11481189 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature