Interaction of cationic liposomes with cell membrane models

The colloidal dispersion stability of nano-sized graphene sheets in supercritical fluid (SCF) media is very important for developing SCF-based exfoliation and dispersion technologies for stabilization and solubilization of graphenes. We carried out molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the stability mechanism of graphene in supercritical CO(2) (scCO(2)). The potential of mean force (PMF) between two graphene nanosheets in scCO(2) was simulated, and the effect of scCO(2) density and temperature on the PMF behavior has been investigated. The simulation results demonstrate that there exists a free energy barrier between graphenes in the scCO(2) fluid, possibly obstructing the aggregation of graphenes. The single-layer confined CO(2) molecules between the graphene sheets can induce a dominating repulsion interaction between graphene sheets. At higher scCO(2) fluid density, there are more confined CO(2) molecules within the interplate regions, resulting in a stronger repulsive free energy barrier. The effect of temperature on the PMF is relatively minor. The scCO(2) solvent structure shows layered confined arrangement in the interfacial region near the graphene nanosheets, which is correlated well with the PMF profile curve.     

Study of the interaction of human defensins with cell membrane models: relationships between structure and biological activity

The HNP-1, HNP-2, and HNP-3 defensins are human antimicrobial peptides produced in response to microbial invasion. Their properties are distinct, with a more potent action for HNP-3. In this study, the relationship between their structural dissimilarities and their different microbial actions was evaluated by molecular dynamics simulation. Structural determinants related to their intra- and intermolecular interactions were defined for each HNP using a simplified membrane model consisting of a water/n-hexane interface. The hydrophobic portion of the HNPs promotes their diffusion to the interface with a concomitant, slight change in the structure induced by the intermolecular electrostatic interactions between the HPN molecules and the interface. As a consequence, different orientations are probably adopted by the HNPs at the interface, which may explain their different actions. The interaction of HNP-1 and HNP-2 with the surfaces was also studied using Langmuir monolayers as a biomimetic system. It was found that peptides adsorb rapidly at n-hexane/water interfaces as well as at phospholipid Langmuir monolayers but not at the air/liquid interface. This reveals that the presence of an organic phase is required for the exposure of the hydrophobic groups of the peptides. In addition, adsorption kinetics and surface pressure-area isotherms for Langmuir monolayers suggested that the lipid-peptide interaction is strongly influenced by the monolayer electrical charge and packing, depending also on the HPN structure. This study supports a model in which defensins, acting in a dimeric form, are able to disrupt membranes. The model also shows that the individual structures of the HNPs are responsible for their different actions on microbes.     

Tug-of-war: molecular dynamometers against living cells for analyzing sub-piconewton interaction of a specific protein with the cell membrane

Protein–membrane interactions play important roles in signal transductions and functional regulation of membrane proteins. Here, we design a molecular dynamometer (MDM) for analyzing protein–membrane interaction on living cells. The MDM is constructed by assembling an artificial lipid bilayer and alkylated Cy3-DNA azide (azide-Cy3-Cx) on a silica bubble. After a functional aptamer is covalently anchored onto the corresponding target protein on a living cell through UV irradiation, azide-Cy3-Cx is conjugated with the aptamer through a click reaction to produce a “tug-of-war” between the MDM and the cell due to the buoyancy of the silica bubble. This induces the detachment of the protein from the cell membrane or the alkane terminal from the MDM enabling sub-piconewton embedding force measurement by changing the alkane chain length and simple fluorescence analysis. The successful analysis of embedding force variation of a protein on the cell membrane upon post-translational modifications demonstrates the practicability and expansibility of this method for mechanics-related research in biological systems.

A molecular dynamometer is designed to analyze the variation of sub-piconewton interaction between a specific protein and the membrane on living cells.     

A combinatorial approach to minimal peptide models of a metalloprotein active site

Screening of a "one-bead-one-compound" peptide library containing biomimetic His/Cys ligands has led to the discovery of sequences that hydrolyze ester substrates in combination with Zn2+.     

The interaction of pyridine with the surface of active carbons

The adsorption and desorption of pyridine on the surface of granulated active carbons was studied. It was shown that pyridine was extracted from aqueous solutions because of physical adsorption and specific adsorption with the formation of H-bonds with oxygen-containing surface groups. The desorption of pyridine at temperatures up to 400°C did not cause its complete removal from the surface of adsorbents. The fraction of pyridine remaining on the surface was proportional to the amount of oxygen-containing surface groups of active carbons of the acid type.     

Designing an efficient multi-epitope peptide vaccine against Vibrio cholerae via combined immunoinformatics and protein interaction based approaches

Cholera continues to be a major global health concern. Among different Vibrio cholerae strains, only O1 and O139 cause acute diarrheal diseases that are related to epidemic and pandemic outbreaks. The currently available cholera vaccines are mainly lived and attenuated vaccines consisting of V. cholerae virulence factors such as toxin-coregulated pili (TCP), outer membrane proteins (Omps), and nontoxic cholera toxin B subunit (CTB). Nowadays, there is a great interest in designing an efficient epitope vaccine against cholera. Epitope vaccines consisting of immunodominant epitopes and adjuvant molecules enhance the possibility of inciting potent protective immunity. In this study, V. cholerae protective antigens (OmpW, OmpU, TcpA and TcpF) and the CTB, which is broadly used as an immunostimulatory adjuvant, were analyzed using different bioinformatics and immunoinformatics tools. The common regions between promiscuous epitopes, binding to various HLA-II supertype alleles, and B-cell epitopes were defined based upon the aforementioned protective antigens. The ultimately selected epitopes and CTB adjuvant were fused together using proper GPGPG linkers to enhance vaccine immunogenicity. A three-dimensional model of the thus constructed vaccine was generated using I-TASSER. The model was structurally validated using the ProSA-web error-detection software and the Ramachandran plot. The validation results indicated that the initial 3D model needed refinement. Subsequently, a high-quality model obtained after various refinement cycles was used for defining conformational B-cell epitopes. Several linear and conformational B-cell epitopes were determined within the epitope vaccine, suggesting likely antibody triggering features of our designed vaccine. Next, molecular docking was performed between the 3D vaccine model and the tertiary structure of the toll like receptor 2 (TLR2). To gain further insight into the interaction between vaccine and TLR2, molecular dynamics simulation was performed, corroborating stable vaccine-TLR2 binding. In sum, the results suggest that our designed epitope vaccine could incite robust long-term protective immunity against V. cholera.     

The interaction of optically active molecules

The discrimination energy between two optically active molecules is calculated using a non-perturbative method. Results of Craig and coworkers emerge as a limiting case.     

Hydrogen isotope separation with an alkaline membrane fuel cell

The separation of deuterium from a hydrogen–deuterium mixture was carried out using an alkaline membrane fuel cell (AMFC) with a Pt catalyst. This novel use of an AMFC to separate deuterium from a mixture of H₂ and D₂ was demonstrated by the production of deuterium-enriched water during power generation by the AMFC. The deuterium separation factor increased with output current (i) to a maximum value of 1.64 attained at i = 30 mA cm^− 2.     

The interaction of antitumor active vanadocene dichloride with sulfur-containing amino acids

Vanadocene dichloride (1) reacts with sulfur-containing amino acids, cysteine and methionine, giving new complexes with five- or six-membered chelate ring, but the structure of isolated compounds is affected by the pH value of the reaction mixture. Methionine reacts with aqueous 1 in the pH range of 3-8 affording chelate structure [Cp₂V(N,O-met)]Cl (4). Similar reaction with cysteine gives two different products depending on pH. In the acidic solution, the complex [Cp₂V(O,S-cys)]Cl (2) is present, whereas in neutral media the compound [Cp₂V(N,S-cys)] (3) could be identified. On inspection of spectroscopic measurements, particularly EPR and vibrational spectroscopy, it is evident that sulfur atom of amino acid is bonded directly to the vanadium atom of [Cp₂V]²⁺ moiety. For the purpose of comparison the complexes [Cp₂V(O,S-mpa)] (5) and [Cp₂V(N,S-csam)]⁺ (6a) with related chelating ligands, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (mpa) and cysteamine (csam), respectively, were prepared and spectroscopically characterized. The structure of the complex [Cp₂V(N,S-csam)]BPh₄ (6b) was also determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

The Purification of PCl3 from Pv by interaction with active silica

It was found, that the addition of silica gel to PCl₃ prevents its oxidation and acts as an adsorbent of P^v impurities. The concentration of P^v impurities is diminished below 0,1% calculated as H₃PO₄. The velocity of purification depends on the kind of silica gel, on its amount and on the volume of the liquid above the adsorbent layer. For the purification of technical grade PCl₃ with an impurity level below 1% H₃PO₄ the small pore or middle pore silica gel in amounts of 10% in relation to PCl₃ may be used. In case of PCl₃, oxidated to a level of 2.6% P^v, as H₃PO₄, the velocity of purification was higher for the middle pore silica gel. An attempt is made to explain the action of silica gel on theoretical backgrounds.     

Interactions of membrane active peptides with planar supported bilayers: an impedance spectroscopy study

Membrane active peptides exert their biological effects by interacting directly with a cell's lipid bilayer membrane. These therapeutically promising peptides have demonstrated a variety of activities including antimicrobial, cytolytic, membrane translocating, and cell penetrating activities. Here, we use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) on polymer-cushioned supported lipid bilayers constructed on single crystal silicon to study two pairs of closely related membrane active peptides selected from rationally designed, combinatorial libraries to have different activities in lipid bilayers: translocation, permeabilization, or no activity. Using EIS, we observed that binding of a membrane translocating peptide to the lipid bilayer resulted in a small decrease in membrane resistance followed by a recovery back to the original value. The recovery may be directly attributable to peptide translocation. A nontranslocating peptide did not decrease the resistance. The other pair, two membrane permeabilizing peptides, caused an exponential decrease of membrane resistance in a concentration-dependent manner. This permeabilization of the supported bilayer occurs at peptide to lipid ratios as much as 1000-fold lower than that needed to observe effects in vesicle leakage assays and gives new insights into the fundamental peptide-bilayer interactions involved in membrane permeabilization.     

Electrical interaction between two cylinders with an ion-penetrable charged membrane in an oil/water interface

The electrical interaction between two long, parallel cylinders each is covered by an ion-penetrable charged membrane immersed in an oil/water interface is investigated. The effects of contact angle, radius of cylinder, and membrane thickness on the electrical interaction force are examined. The results of numerical simulation reveal that the following conditions lead to a greater electrical interaction force: (i) a larger contact angle, i.e. a larger fraction of a cylinder in the oil phase; (ii) a larger cylinder radius; and (iii) a thinner membrane. For a fixed ionic strength, the electrical interaction force is insensible to the type of electrolytes in the water phase, in general. However, if two cylinders are close enough, then the higher the valence of counterions the greater the electrical interaction force.     

Inhibition of K-Ras4B-plasma membrane association with a membrane microdomain-targeting peptide

The association of K-Ras4B protein with plasma membrane (PM) is required for its signaling activity. Thus, direct inhibition of K-Ras4B–PM interaction could be a potential anti-Ras therapeutic strategy. However, it remains challenging to modulate such protein–PM interaction. Based on Ras isoform-specific PM microdomain localization patterns, we have developed a potent and isoform-selective peptide inhibitor, Memrasin, for detachment of K-Ras4B from the PM. Memrasin is one of the first direct inhibitors of K-Ras4B–PM interaction, and consists of a membrane l_d region-binding sequence derived from the C-terminal region of K-Ras4B and an endosome-escape enhancing motif that can aggregate on membrane. It forms peptide-enriched domains in the l_d region, abrogates the tethering of K-Ras4B to the PM and accordingly impairs Ras signaling activity, thereby efficiently decreasing the viability of several human lung cancer cells in a dose-responsive and K-Ras dependent manner. Memrasin provides a useful tool for exploring the biological function of K-Ras4B on or off the PM and a potential starting point for further development into anti-Ras therapeutics.

A membrane l_d microdomain-targeting hybrid peptide displays potent inhibition effect toward K-Ras4B-plasma membrane interaction and impairs Ras signaling output.     

Asymmetric interaction of optically active polymers with asymmetric small molecules. III. The effect of pH on asymmetric interaction of optically active acidic polymer with tryptophan

The interaction of optically active polymer prepared from L-lysine and adipyl chloride by interfacial polycondensation with D - and L-tryptophan was studied. It was found that selective interaction occurred, and the amount of L-isomer bound to the polymer was greater than that of D -isomer in the range from pH 3.0 to 7.5 at 25°C. At near pH 5.0, the maximum asymmetrical ratio was obtained. The optical rotatory dispersion and viscosity of the polymer were measured. The relationship between conformational differences of the polymer and asymmetric interaction is discussed.     

Characterization of heat-induced interaction of neutral liposome with lipid membrane of Streptomyces griseus cell

The interaction between the neutral 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) liposomes and cell membrane of Streptomyces griseus induced by the heat treatment at specific temperature was investigated, focusing on the internalization of the neutral POPC liposomes with S. griseus cells. In an attempt to clarify the modes of liposome internalization, various kinds of inhibitors of endocytotic pathways were used to treat S. griseus cells. The efficiency of the heat treatment on liposome–cell membrane interactions was finally characterized based on the hydrophobic, electrostatic interactions and hydration effect. In fact, the internalization of the neutral liposomes into these cells was found to show higher rate and greater amount at higher temperatures. The kinetic study showed that the maximum amount of the internalized liposomes was, respectively, 469 × 10⁵ and 643 × 10⁵ liposomes/cell at 37 and 41 °C. The internalization of the neutral liposomes induced by the heat treatment was characterized, implying that the endocytosis occurred. The interactions involving the internalization, adsorption, and fusion of these liposomes with S. griseus cells were mainly contributed by the hydrophobic interaction and the unstable hydrogen bonds caused by the loss of water of surface hydration of cell membrane rather than the electrostatic interaction under the specific heat condition.     

Investigation of interaction between the drug and cell membrane by capillary electrophoresis

By introducing cell membrane into electrophoretic buffer as pseudo-stationary phase, a novel capillary electrophoresis method was established to explore the interaction between drugs and cell membrane, where the interaction between citalopram and rabbit red blood cell membrane was used as an example. A series of concentrations of cell membrane were suspended into the running buffer by peak-shift method. The binding constant of citalopram to rabbit red blood cell membrane of 0.977 g^?1·L was obtained after treatment of Scatchard plot. This method could provide not only a new way for the investigation on the interactions between drugs and cell membrane, but also a new approach for high throughput screening of the drug membrane permeability, biological activity, and evaluating drugs in vivo.     

药物与细胞膜相互作用的毛细管电泳方法研究

以细胞膜在毛细管内构成假固定相,建立一种基于毛细管电泳测定药物与细胞膜相互作用参数的方法．以西酞普兰和兔红细胞膜为相互作用模型,以不同浓度的细胞膜混悬液为电泳缓冲液,采用峰漂移法,并结合Scatchard分析,测得西酞普兰与兔红细胞膜的结合常数为0．977g^-1·L．该方法简单、快速,为研究药物与细胞膜的相互作用提供了新的技术手段,为高通量筛选药物膜通透性和活性,以及评价药物在体内吸收提供一种新的方法．     

细胞膜色谱法研究5-羟色胺受体与藁本内酯的亲和作用

建立了大鼠纹状体细胞膜色谱前沿分析法,研究5-羟色胺(5-HT)受体5-HT_1D与藁本内酯的亲和作用。通过大鼠纹状体组织制备得到色谱固定相,利用酶联免疫吸附剂测定法(ELISA)分别测定硅胶吸附前后细胞膜悬液中5-HT的量,求得细胞膜固定相上5-HT受体含量为每克硅胶(40.5±2.3) pg。利用细胞膜色谱与液相色谱的离线联用,特异性地识别混合对照品中的舒马普坦和藁本内酯;以不同浓度(24.2~242 nmol/L)的5-HT_1D受体激动剂舒马普坦为模型药物,连续通过细胞膜色谱柱,记录舒马普坦的突破曲线,测得舒马普坦与受体作用的平衡解离常数(K_D)为389 nmol/L;并将舒马普坦通过不同浓度(37.0~370 nmol/L)的藁本内酯饱和后的细胞膜色谱柱,记录色谱柱饱和前后舒马普坦突破曲线的变化,测得藁本内酯与受体作用的K_D值为4.21 μmol/L。该方法快速、有效,适用于求解存在竞争结合时药物与受体作用的平衡解离常数。     

The interaction of molecular oxygen with active sites of graphite: a theoretical study

The adsorption of molecular oxygen at defective edge sites of zigzag and armchair graphite surfaces has been investigated by adopting cluster models in conjunction with density functional theory. Several different types of chemisorbed O₂ species are identified. It was found that the defect edge sites exhibit the significant catalytic role toward the adsorption and activation of molecular oxygen. The O₂ molecule is not only able to strongly bind to these edge sites, but the O–O bond strength is obviously weakened. Moreover, the calculated adsorption energy for O₂ adsorbed on the clean graphite basal surface is fairly consistent with the weak interaction nature of O₂ with the surface observed in the experiment, indicating one-layer cluster model is an effective way to study O₂ adsorption on graphite surface in terms of accuracy and computational cost, which is in agreement with previous experience. Whereas, we note that the local detailed arrangement of edge carbon atoms can play an important effect on the adsorption of O₂ on defect surfaces.