Self‐Assembly of Protein‐Containing Lipid‐Bilayer Nanodiscs from Small‐Molecule Amphiphiles. Issue 49 (21st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mahler, Florian; Meister, Annette; Vargas, Carolyn; Durand, Grégory; Keller, Sandro
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 17:Issue 49(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-10-21
• Subjects: fluorinated surfactants -- membrane proteins -- protein solubilization -- self‐assembly -- small‐molecule amphiphiles; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202103603
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract: When membrane proteins are removed from their natural environment, the quality of the membrane‐solubilizing agent used is critical for preserving their native structures and functions. Nanodiscs that retain a lipid‐bilayer core around membrane proteins have attracted great attention because they offer a much more native‐like environment than detergent micelles. Here, two small‐molecule amphiphiles with diglucose headgroups and either a hydrocarbon or a fluorocarbon hydrophobic chain are shown to directly assemble lipids and membrane proteins to form native nanodiscs rather than mixed micelles. Self‐assembly of nanodiscs of increasing complexity from both defined, artificial vesicles as well as complex, cellular membranes is demonstrated. A detailed investigation of bilayer integrity and membrane‐protein activity in these nanodiscs reveals gentle effects on the encapsulated bilayer core. The fluorinated amphiphile appears particularly promising because its lipophobicity results in gentle, non‐perturbing interactions with the nanoscale lipid bilayer. A sequential model of nanodisc self‐assembly is proposed that proceeds through perforation of the original membrane followed by saturation and complete solubilization of the bilayer. On this basis, pseudophase diagrams are established for mixtures of lipids and nanodisc‐forming diglucoside amphiphiles, and the latter are used for the extraction of a broad range of membrane proteins from cellular membranes. Abstract : Two small‐molecule amphiphiles with diglucose headgroups and either a hydrocarbon or a fluorocarbon hydrophobic chain directly assemble lipids and membrane proteins to form lipid‐bilayer nanodiscs. These self‐assembled nanostructures have a gentle effect on the encapsulated lipid‐bilayer core and membrane proteins. The fluorinated amphiphile appears particularly promising because its chain is both hydrophobic and lipophobic.