Cholesterol Promotes Protein Binding by Affecting Membrane Electrostatics and Solvation Properties.

ABSTRACT: Binding of the retroviral structural protein Gag to the cellular plasma membrane is mediated by the protein's matrix (MA) domain. Prominent among MA-PM interactions is electrostatic attraction between the positively charged MA domain and the negatively charged plasma membrane inner leaflet. Previously, we reported that membrane association of HIV-1 Gag, as well as purified Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) MA and Gag, depends strongly on the presence of acidic lipids and is enhanced by cholesterol (Chol). The mechanism underlying this enhancement was unclear. Here, using a broad set of in vitro and in silico techniques we addressed molecular mechanisms of association between RSV MA and model membranes, and investigated how Chol enhances this association. In neutron scattering experiments with lipos

SUBMITTER: Doktorova M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5685651 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature