Shape transitions and lattice structuring of ceramide-enriched domains generated by sphingomyelinase in lipid monolayers.

ABSTRACT: Sphingomyelinases (SMases) hydrolyze the membrane constituent sphingomyelin (SM) to phosphocholine and ceramide (Cer). Growing evidence supports that SMase-induced SM-->Cer conversion leads to the formation of lateral Cer-enriched domains which drive structural reorganization in lipid membranes. We previously provided visual evidence in real-time for the formation of Cer-enriched domains in SM monolayers through the action of the neutral Bacillus cereus SMase. In this work, we disclose a succession of discrete morphologic transitions and lateral organization of Cer-enriched domains that underlay the SMase-generated surface topography. We further reveal how these structural parameters couple to the generation of two-dimensional electrostatic fields, based upon the specific orientation of th

SUBMITTER: Hartel S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1305007 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature