Molecular model for the solubilization of membranes into nanodisks by styrene maleic Acid copolymers.

ABSTRACT: A recent discovery in membrane research is the ability of styrene-maleic acid (SMA) copolymers to solubilize membranes in the form of nanodisks allowing extraction and purification of membrane proteins from their native environment in a single detergent-free step. This has important implications for membrane research because it allows isolation as well as characterization of proteins and lipids in a near-native environment. Here, we aimed to unravel the molecular mode of action of SMA copolymers by performing systematic studies using model membranes of varying compositions and employing complementary biophysical approaches. We found that the SMA copolymer is a highly efficient membrane-solubilizing agent and that lipid bilayer properties such as fluidity, thickness, lateral pressure profil

SUBMITTER: Scheidelaar S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4302193 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature