Lung surfactant protein SP-B promotes formation of bilayer reservoirs from monolayer and lipid transfer between the interface and subphase.

ABSTRACT: We investigated the possible role of SP-B proteins in the function of lung surfactant. To this end, lipid monolayers at the air/water interface, bilayers in water, and transformations between them in the presence of SP-B were simulated. The proteins attached bilayers to monolayers, providing close proximity of the reservoirs with the interface. In the attached aggregates, SP-B mediated establishment of the lipid-lined connection similar to the hemifusion stalk. Via this connection, a lipid flow was initiated between the monolayer at the interface and the bilayer in water in a surface-tension-dependent manner. On interface expansion, the flow of lipids to the monolayer restored the surface tension to the equilibrium spreading value. SP-B induced formation of bilayer folds from the monolayer

SUBMITTER: Baoukina S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3072669 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature