A Forster Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Sensor of Steric Pressure on Membrane Surfaces.

ABSTRACT: Cellular membranes are densely covered by proteins. Steric pressure generated by protein collisions plays a significant role in shaping and curving biological membranes. However, no method currently exists for measuring steric pressure at membrane surfaces. Here, we developed a sensor based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), which uses the principles of polymer physics to precisely detect changes in steric pressure. The sensor consists of a polyethylene glycol chain tethered to the membrane surface. The polymer has a donor fluorophore at its free end, such that FRET with acceptor fluorophores in the membrane provides a real-time readout of polymer extension. As a demonstration of the sensor, we measured the steric pressure generated by a model protein involved in membrane bending

SUBMITTER: Houser JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8274331 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature