Model lipid bilayer with facile diffusion of lipids and integral membrane proteins.

ABSTRACT: A model membrane system is formed by the rupture of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) onto a passivating layer comprising a PEG polymer cushion anchored in a lipid bilayer supported on glass. The novel use of pH-dependent electrostatic interactions between NeutrAvidin in the passivating layer and anionic lipids in the GUV drives vesicle rupture. The resulting "GUV pancakes" are single, planar lipid bilayer patches whose diameters vary from approximately 20 to 50 microm. The pancakes have several potential advantages for the in vitro study of protein-lipid interactions and integral membrane protein function. All components are commercially available. The pancakes resist nonspecific binding of vesicles containing protein. Both lipids and integral membrane proteins exhibit good lateral mobili

SUBMITTER: Wang T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5814108 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature