The glycolipid GM1 reshapes asymmetric biomembranes and giant vesicles by curvature generation.

ABSTRACT: The ganglioside GM1 is present in neuronal membranes at elevated concentrations with an asymmetric spatial distribution. It is known to generate curvature and can be expected to strongly influence the neuron morphology. To elucidate these effects, we prepared giant vesicles with GM1 predominantly present in one leaflet of the membrane, mimicking the asymmetric GM1 distribution in neuronal membranes. Based on pulling inward and outward tubes, we developed a technique that allowed the direct measurement of the membrane spontaneous curvature. Using vesicle electroporation and fluorescence intensity analysis, we were able to quantify the GM1 asymmetry across the membrane and to subsequently estimate the local curvature generated by the molecule in the bilayer. Molecular-dynamics simulations co

SUBMITTER: Dasgupta R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5984512 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature