Local Electrostatics of Lipid Bilayers, Lipid-Protein Systems, and Bio-Nano Hybrid Materials by Spin Labeling EPR
See more of Dr. Smirnova's research on her website: https://tsmirnovlab.wordpress.ncsu.edu/
Abstract: Rational design of new bio-nano hybrid systems incorporating cellular membranes calls for understanding and accounting for the influence of nano support and nano confinement on the structure and properties of lipid bilayers, lipid-solid, and lipid-protein interfaces. Further progress in this field requires development of spectroscopic methods capable of characterizing highly heterogenous interfaces and, particularly, presence of water molecules and interfacial electrostatic properties – all with high spatial resolution. The goal of our work is to develop spin-labeling EPR methods for assessing lipid membrane surface potential, local environment at the protein-membrane interface, and water penetration along this interface – the main factors affecting pKa of ionizable groups at membrane-protein surface. Here we report on our recent progress in the use of pH-sensitive ionizable EPR labels and related spectroscopic methods to 1) profile a heterogeneous dielectric environment along the α-helix of a WALP peptide inserted into a lipid bilayer and 2) assess the effects of solid support and, specifically, silica nanoparticles on lipid membrane potential and effective pKa of model membrane-burred ionizable sidechains.
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